Uptake of Ferritin by Follicle-associated Epithelium in the Colon of Calves

Abstract

Abstract. Uptake of macromolecules (e.g., ferritin) by M cells in follicle-associated epithelium in small and large intestine was investigated in three healthy, conventionally raised, 2-to 3-week-old, female Holstein Frisian calves. A 2.5% solution of ferritin was injected into the ligated loops in mid-jejunum, in terminal ileum, in the ascending colon adjacent to the ileocecal junction, and in the proximal loop of the ascending colon containing gut-associated lymphoid tissue. After exposure times that ranged from 82 to 165 minutes, ferritin was detected in M cells of domes in the small intestine, as well as in cells in follicle-associated epithelium of proprial lymphoid nodules and lymphoglandular complexes of colon that morphologically resembled M cells of small intestine.Ferritin was found in apical invaginations, apical vesicles, multivesicular bodies, basal vesicles, and adjacent intercellular spaces. In addition to ferritin, apical vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and intercellular spaces contained 50-nm membrane-bound particles. More ferritin was endocytosed by M cells of the small intestine than by M cells of the large intestine. In the large intestine, higher amounts of ferritin were found in M cells of follicle-associated epithelium overlying proprial lymphoid nodules than in M cells of follicle-associated epithelium in the depth of lymphoglandular complexes. Based on these results, we concluded that M cells of follicleassociated epithelium in the colon of calves provide a route for antigen uptake into the intestinal lymphoid system.

MALT structure and function in farm animals

“…Preferential uptake of ferritin was shown for M cells in all sites of GALT confirming the function of M cells in GALT [65,71,85]. There are regional differences in the efficiency of M cells to internalize material.…”

“…There are regional differences in the efficiency of M cells to internalize material. Less ferritin was found in the M cells of the large compared to the small intestine and less in LGC compared to lymphoid nodules in the lamina propria [85]. Latex beads and parapox virus are internalized by M cells in the IPP, but not in JPP [65].…”

Lymphoid tissues of the ileum in young horses: distribution, structure, and epithelium

“…Lymphoglandular complexes have been well described in the large intestine of many species, including mice (Owen et al 1991), dogs (Atkins and Schofield 1972), cattle (Liebler et al 1988a, b;Paar et al 1992), sheep (Aleksandersen etal. 1991), pigs (Morfitt and Pohlenz 1989), and human beings (Scott 1982;O'Leary and Sweeney 1986).…”

Uptake and transport of foreign particles in Peyer’s patches of both distal ileum and jejunum of calves

“…Non-lymphoid compartments involve the lamina propria of villi and crypts. PPs are involved in particle uptake and transport into the body fluids and other sites Hussain et al 2001;Paar et al 1992;Smyth et al 2008) and are therefore actively involved in the uptake and transport of infectious agents (Konold et al 2008;Momotani et al 1988;Sigur-Dardottir et al 2001;Jeffrey et al 2006). However, the route, mechanism, and extent of the particle uptake are not yet clear in cattle.…”

“…Moreover, the murine model has also revealed that particle uptake is size-and time-dependent (Doyle-McCullough et al 2007;Hodges et al 1995;Smyth et al 2008). Although a few studies on particle uptake and transport have been preformed on a bovine model (Landsverk 1987;Landsverk 1988;Momotani et al 1988;Paar et al 1992), they have not provided an accurate quantification of intestinal uptake efficiency.…”