Abstract
To gain insight into specific gene expression in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of preterm infants, we adapted a method to isolate exfoliated epithelial cells. Gastric residual fluid aspirates (n = 89) or stool samples (n = 10) were collected from 96 neonates (gestational age, 24-36 wk). Cells were characterized by microscopic observation, cytokeratin-18 immunodetection, and expression of transcripts. The human origin of cellular DNA was confirmed by amplification of specific X and Y chromosome sequences. Isolation yielded 100-500 cells per sample for gastric aspirates (n = 8) and 10-20 cells for fecal samples (n = 5). Epithelial origin was confirmed by immunodetection of cytokeratin 18. Analyses of reverse transcribed products, using two independent methods, from 15 gastric fluid and two stool samples showed that 18S-rRNA and transcripts of beta-actin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), and period1 were in quantities corresponding to at least 10 cells. On 59 aspirates, we found beta-actin transcripts (all but one), cytokeratin 18 (eight positive of eight samples), SLC26-A7-1 (13 positive of 19 samples), period2 (17 positive of 17 samples), and clock (25 positive of 26 samples). Exfoliated cells can be recovered from gastric aspirates and fecal samples and serve as a tool to investigate the impact of therapeutic and nutritional regimens on the maturation of GI functions.
Publication types
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Evaluation Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Actins / analysis
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Actins / genetics
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Antiporters / analysis
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Antiporters / genetics
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Biopsy / methods*
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CLOCK Proteins
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Cell Separation*
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Epithelial Cells / chemistry
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Epithelial Cells / pathology*
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Eye Proteins / genetics
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Eye Proteins / metabolism
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Feasibility Studies
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Feces / chemistry
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Feces / cytology*
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Female
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Gastric Juice / chemistry
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Gastric Juice / cytology*
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Gastrointestinal Tract / chemistry
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Gastrointestinal Tract / growth & development
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Gastrointestinal Tract / pathology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Gestational Age
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Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / analysis
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Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / genetics
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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Infant, Newborn
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Infant, Premature*
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Keratin-18 / analysis
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Male
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Nuclear Proteins / analysis
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Nuclear Proteins / genetics
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Period Circadian Proteins
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / analysis
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Sulfate Transporters
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Trans-Activators / analysis
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Trans-Activators / genetics
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Transcription Factors / analysis
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Transcription Factors / genetics
Substances
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Actins
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Antiporters
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Eye Proteins
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KRT18 protein, human
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Keratin-18
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Nuclear Proteins
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PER1 protein, human
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PER2 protein, human
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Period Circadian Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
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SLC26A7 protein, human
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Sulfate Transporters
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors
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Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases
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CLOCK Proteins
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CLOCK protein, human