The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological development of the small intestine of African ostrich chicks and to examine the changes in the number of goblet cells therein by observing the gross anatomy and performing histochemistry and morphometry. The BW; length, height, and width of the villi; muscle thickness; depth of the crypts; and number of goblet cells in the intesti...

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. NEC is believed to occur when intestinal bacteria invade the intestinal epithelial layer, causing subsequent inflammation and tissue necrosis. Mucins are produced and secreted by epithelial goblet cells as a key component of the innate immune system and barrier function of the intestinal tract th...

Goblet cells are the major mucus-producing cells of the intestine and are presumed to play an important role in mucosal protection. However, their functional role has not been directly assessed in vivo. In initial studies, a 5' flanking sequence of the murine intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) gene was found to confer goblet cell-specific expression of a transgene. To assess the role of goblet cel...

Previously, we identified Fgfr2 as the major Fgf receptor in liver specification. Expression of Hhex in the liver was reduced in Fgfr2 morphants. Unexpectedly, we found the relative position of the liver and pancreas were disrupted. In addition to visceral organs, we found the heart was randomized in Fgfr2 morphants. Expression patterns of genes controlling laterality including Spaw, lefty1 and...

Previously, we identified Fgfr2 as the major Fgf receptor in liver specification. Expression of Hhex in the liver was reduced in Fgfr2 morphants. Unexpectedly, we found the relative position of the liver and pancreas were disrupted. In addition to visceral organs, we found the heart was randomized in Fgfr2 morphants. Expression patterns of genes controlling laterality including Spaw, lefty1 and...

We examined the effect or not of an antibiotic treatment on dietary fiber-induced goblet cell proliferation in the rat ileum. The number of goblet cells in the ileum increased when rats consumed dietary fiber. However, this effect was maintained with a concurrent treatment of antibiotics, suggesting that the fiber effect on goblet cell response would remain irrespective of a bacterial component...

Previously, we identified Fgfr2 as the major Fgf receptor in liver specification. Expression of Hhex in the liver was reduced in Fgfr2 morphants. Unexpectedly, we found the relative position of the liver and pancreas were disrupted. In addition to visceral organs, we found the heart was randomized in Fgfr2 morphants. Expression patterns of genes controlling laterality including Spaw, lefty1 and...

RATIONALE Epithelial remodelling in asthma is characterised by goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion for which no therapies exist. Differentiated bronchial air-liquid interface cultures from asthmatic children display high goblet cell numbers. Epidermal growth factor and its receptor have been implicated in goblet cell hyperplasia. OBJECTIVES We hypothesised that EGF removal or tyr...