Authors : Hongxing Zheng, Shanshan Qi, Jianxi Li, Zhiqiang Yang and Yongji Wang
Abstract: The intention of this study was to describe the effects of oral administration of the probiotic bacterium Enterococcus faecium SF68 on the number of intestinal mucosal immune cells of young yaks to improve the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this probiotic. The histology, histochemistry and cell counting methods were used. The number of Intraepithelial Lymphocytes (IELs), Goblet Cells (GCs), plasma cells and mast cells were counted, recorded and compared with the control group. Statistical analysis showed that the number of those intestinal mucosal immune cells were all increased in the probiotic group, compared with the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The distribution tendency of those cells in small intestine was that: the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, goblet cells and mast cells was gradually reduced from duodenum to ileum in two groups whereas the number of plasma cells was gradually increased from duodenum to ileum. The results indicated that the probiotic bacterium Enterococcus faecium SF68 has intense influence on the number of mucosal immune cells in small intestine of young yaks, the hyperplasia of those cells can strengthen the anti-infections ability of yaks. The results will facilitate the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this probiotic.
Hongxing Zheng, Shanshan Qi, Jianxi Li, Zhiqiang Yang and Yongji Wang, 2012. Effect of a Probiotic Enterococcus faecium Strain on the Number of Intestinal Mucosal Immune Cells of Young Yaks. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 3887-3893.