TITLE:
The Expression of Surfactant Proteins A and D in the Intestines and Pancreas of Murine Fetuses
AUTHORS:
Ryuta Saka, Hiroomi Okuyama, Kaoru Uchida, Kumiko Nakahira, Takashi Sasaki, Satoko Nose, Masahiro Nakayama, Masahiro Fukuzawa, Itaru Yanagihara
KEYWORDS:
Surfactant Protein; Fetus; Intestine; Pancreas
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.4 No.1,
March
6,
2014
ABSTRACT: Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the
digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of
surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to
investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and
pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods:
Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and
pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal
duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to
detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and
pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results:
Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and
intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR
revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas
but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions:
Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines
and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal
pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion
of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.