Developmental expression and distribution of sheep beta-defensin-2.
The aim of this study was to define the ontogeny of sheep beta-defensin-2 (SBD-2) mRNA and peptide in selected tissues of fetal, neonatal and adult sheep by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Fetal and neonatal lambs had significantly greater SBD-2 tissue distribution than adult sheep. For all ages, the intestines had consistent SBD-2 mRNA expression while extra intestinal expression was sporadic and weak. In adult sheep, SBD-2 mRNA levels decreased from the jejunum caudally to the rectum and a pooled sample from all age groups showed a similar tendency. SBD-2 immunoreactive cells were predominantly in the crypts and base of villi in the small intestine and in a modest number of glands in the large intestine. Interestingly, ileal follicle-associated epithelium lacked detectable SBD-2 immunoreactivity. SBD-2 mRNA and peptide expression are greatest in the intestinal tract and tissue distribution progressively decreases with maturity.
Meyerholz
David K
DK
Department of Veterinary Pathology, 2740 Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1250, USA. dmeyerho@iastate.edu
Gallup
Jack M
JM
Grubor
Branka M
BM
Evans
Richard B
RB
Tack
Brian F
BF
McCray
Paul B
PB
Ackermann
Mark R
MR
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012756:Sheep / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000378:metabolism*
C106641:DEFB4A protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D023083:beta-Defensins