Dietary Bovine Lactoferrin Stimulates Intestinal Proliferation in Piglets

• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.625.8
• Publication Date: 2021-06-21T15:17:48Z
• Authors: Elizabeth Alexand...; Sarah S Comstock; Nikhat Contractor; Sharon M Donovan
• Keywords: Lactoferrin; Jejunum; Haematoxylin

Human milk contains factors, such as lactoferrin(LF), that stimulate gastrointestinal growth and maturation. Herein, proliferative properties of bovine LF(bLF) were explored through 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine(EdU) incorporation in vivo. Colostrum‐deprived pigs fed formula containing 0.4(CON), 1(LF1) or 3.6(LF3) g bLF/L. On d7 14, intraperitoneally injected with 10mM EdU(1ml/kg body weight) 2h prior to euthanasia. Proliferation was assessed ex vivo formalin‐fixed jejunal sections using Click‐iT EdU Alexa Fluor 555 Kit. Sections imaged a confocal microscope. Staining quantified AxioVision, where area positive for EdU(proliferation) normalized by the DAPI(total nuclei). Formalin‐fixed jejunum stained haematoxylin eosin villus crypt measurements. bLF did not affect weight gain intestinal length. LF1 LF3 had 1.5‐ fold increase cell proliferation compared CON pigs. In pigs, depth greater(1.5‐fold on d7, 1.3‐ d14) than This study supports vitro studies showed LF could is first show physiologically‐relevant concentrations milk‐borne suggesting plays role healthy GI development.(Funded Pfizer Nutrition) Grant Funding Source : Nutrition