Lack of Mom causes gut problems

[Guest guest]

Well, so far only shown in rats. But it makes you wonder .... will

all these day care babies grow up with gut disorders? Those

of you who spend all day with your babies .... pat yourself

on the back, they will grow up healthier!

GUT magazine:

http://www.gutjnl.com

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Gut. 2004 Apr;53(4):501-6

Neonatal maternal deprivation triggers long term alterations in colonic

epithelial barrier and mucosal immunity in rats.

Barreau F, Ferrier L, Fioramonti J, Bueno L.

Neurogastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Institut National de la Recherche

Agronomique, Toulouse, France.

BACKGROUND: Stressful events in the early period of life (for example,

maternal deprivation) have been shown to modify adult immune and

gastrointestinal tract functions. The present study aimed to establish

whether maternal deprivation affects colonic epithelial barrier and the

development of an experimental colitis in adult rats. METHODS: Male Wistar

rat pups were separated during postnatal days 2-14 or left undisturbed with

their dam. At 12 weeks of age, we assessed colonic paracellular

permeability, bacterial translocation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity,

mucosal mast cell density, cytokine (interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-

10, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)) mRNA expression, and macroscopic

damage. Total gut permeability, MPO activity, and macroscopic damage were

also assessed four days after intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-

trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS). RESULTS: Maternal deprivation

triggered a significant increase in colonic permeability associated with

bacterial translocation into the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

These alterations were associated with some macroscopic damage and an

increase in colonic MPO activity, mucosal mast cell density, and cytokine

mRNA expression. Intracolonic infusion of TNBS induced a significantly

higher inflammatory reaction in separated animals, as judged by enhanced

MPO colonic levels, total gut permeability, and macroscopic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal deprivation promotes long term alterations in the

colonic epithelial barrier associated with an exaggerated immune response

to an external immune stimulus. This suggests a role for early

psychological factors in the regulation of colonic mucosal barrier in later

life.

[Guest guest]

Those of you who spend all day with your babies .... pat yourself on the

back, they will grow up healthier!

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Thanks I will. They aren't babies anymore, but mine never were in daycare.

They are happy, healthy and calm.

Those of you with babies at home, you get pats on the backs and the ability

to actually see your children learn and grow first hand. It ain't always

easy, but very well worth this single reward alone. All mothers should get

this opportunity, imo.

Deanna