Scanning electron microscopy of porcine jejunal loops infused with Escherichia coli endotoxin
Vogelweid, C.M.; Elmore, R.G.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 44(12): 2391-2394
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 6362501 Document Number: 201639
Phenol-extracted E. coli endotoxin was infused into ligated jejunal loops in 3 pigs. Tissue samples were collected from the centre of each loop 6 hours later and examined by 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 one pig. In contrast, small ulcers were rarely seen in ligated control loops. Villi were predominantly tongue-shaped, and goblet cell activity was moderate. Pathological changes were greater in endotoxin-infused loops than in water-infused loops at 6 hours after infusion.