Immunolocalization of NOS, VIP, galanin and SP in the small intestine of suckling pigs treated with red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lectin

Lectins belong to a family of glycoproteins that can act both beneficially and detrimentally on the morphology of the small intestine. The aim of the study was to determine whether experimental treatment with red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lectin influences the chemical code of the small intestine nervous system of suckling pigs. The immunolocalization sites of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), substance P (SP) and galanin were determined in control and lectin-treated animals. In all segments of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), the subpopulations of VIP-, NOS-, SP- and galanin-immunoreactive (IR) myenteric neurons were unchanged. After lectin stimulation, increased proportions of NOS-IR and decreased numbers of VIP-IR submucous neurons/mucosa innervating nerve fibers were observed in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. In lectin-treated animals down-regulation of submucous neurons expressing SP and up-regulation of galanin-IR submucous neurons were seen in the duodenum and jejunum (but not in the ileum). The distribution patterns of NOS-IR, galanin-IR and SP-IR nerve fibers supplying the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of the lectin-treated animals showed no substantial differences in relation to control piglets. We conclude that exposure to red kidney bean (P. vulgaris) lectin substantially changes the chemical content of VIP, NOS, SP and galanin in submucous neurons of the small intestine. These results are in line with previous findings outlining the key role(s) of these substances in enteric neuroplasticity processes and may constitute the basis for further functional studies on maturation of the gut.