Scanning electron microscopy of porcine jejunal loops infused with Escherichia coli endotoxin.
Phenol-extracted Escherichia coli endotoxin was infused into ligated jejunal loops in 3 pigs. Tissue samples were collected from the center of each loop 6 hours later and examined with scanning electron microscopy. Control loops infused with pyrogen-free water were examined, as well as nonligated biopsy and blind-loop samples. Loops infused with endotoxin had predominantly ridge-shaped villi, many actively secreting goblet cells, and numerous large epithelial ulcerations involving the tips and sides of villi. Tight junction disruption between epithelial cells was observed in 1 pig. In contrast, small ulcers were rarely seen in ligated control loops. Villi were predominantly tongue-shaped, and goblet cell activity was moderate. Pathologic changes were greater in endotoxin-infused loops than in water-infused loops at 6 hours after infusion.
D000818:Animals; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D004926:Escherichia coli; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007579:Jejunal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D007583:Jejunum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013552:Swine / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D014456:Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary
D004731:Endotoxins