Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are abundant components of the innate immune system present in species throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. In mammals, these immune peptides have been localized to epithelial tissues of the pig, mouse, rat, cow and human gastrointestinal tracts. We have identified in sheep two members of the β-defensin antimicrobial peptide gene family that are expressed in a unique pattern throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Sheep β-defensin 1 mRNA is the most prevalent from tongue to colon with the exception of the distal ileum, where β-defensin 2 mRNA predominates. Sheep β-defensin expression varies significantly between animals and is developmentally regulated both pre- and postnatally. These changes in antimicrobial peptide expression may correlate with anatomical differentiation as well as physiologic adaptations to extra-uterine life.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 297S-299S |
Journal | Journal of Nutrition |
Volume | 128 |
Issue number | 2 SUPPL. |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Defensin
- Development
- Fetus
- Ovis aries
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Nutrition and Dietetics