Determination of mRNA Expression of Typical Proteins of Tight Junctions in the Intestinal Mucosa of Broilers (<i>Gallus gallus domesticus</i>)

Abstract

Tight junctions are mainly formed by two types of proteins; claudins and occludin, both of which are fundamental to maintain the integrity and barrier function of the intestinal epithelium. This barrier function allows for the absorption of nutrients, mainly by transcytosis; however, in birds, 90% of the substances are absorbed by paracellular mechanisms. Despite this, claudins present in the different parts of the intestinal tract of adult chickens are not known, much less their functional role. This study aimed to determine the presence of mRNA of claudins 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 16 and occludin, in the different regions of the intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and rectum) in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus