Influenza A Virus (H1N1) Infection Induces Microglial Activation and Temporal Dysbalance in Glutamatergic Synaptic Transmission.

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes respiratory tract disease and is responsible for seasonal and reoccurring epidemics affecting all age groups. Next to typical disease symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, IAV infection has been associated with behavioral alterations presumably contributing to the development of major depression. Previous experiments using IAV/H1N1 infection models have shown impaired hippocampal neuronal morphology and cognitive abilities, but the underlying pathways have not been fully described.

Comparing Two Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cell Lines (IPECs): Morphological Differentiation, Function and Metabolism.

The pig shows genetical and physiological resemblance to human, which predestines it as an experimental animal model especially for mucosal physiology. Therefore, the intestinal epithelial cell lines 1 and J2 (IPEC-1, IPEC-J2)--spontaneously immortalised cell lines from the porcine intestine--are important tools for studying intestinal function. A microarray (GeneChip Porcine Genome Array) was performed to compare the genome wide gene expression of IPECs.

Rapid interaction of Helicobacter pylori with microvilli of the polar human gastric epithelial cell line NCI-N87.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori results often in chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers or even gastric tumor development. Little is known about the initial interaction between gastric epithelial cells and H. pylori.

The major soyabean allergen P34 resists proteolysis in vitro and is transported through intestinal epithelial cells by a caveolae-mediated mechanism.

Soya is considered to be one of the eight most significant food allergens. Among the allergenic soya proteins determined to date, P34 has been identified as one of the immunodominant soya antigens. Sensitisation to a specific food antigen like P34 generally follows the transit of intact antigens across the intestinal barrier and usually occurs in infants, who are most susceptible to food allergies.

Air-liquid interface cultures enhance the oxygen supply and trigger the structural and functional differentiation of intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC).

The specific function of the epithelium as critical barrier between the intestinal lumen and the organism's internal microenvironment is reflected by permanent maintenance of intercellular junctions and cellular polarity. The intestinal epithelial cells are responsible for absorption of nutritional components, facing mechanical stress and a changing oxygen supplementation via blood stream. Oxygen itself can regulate the barrier and the absorptive function of the epithelium.