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Relationship between tenascin and α-smooth muscle actin expression in the developing human small intestinal mucosa

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Abstract

The expression of tenascin (Tn) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was analyzed in the developing and adult human small intestine by means of double immunofluorescent staining with specific antibodies. By 7 weeks of gestation, the gut anlage has a simple tubular shape and is formed of a stratified undifferentiated epithelium surrounded by a poorly organized mesenchyme. Both Tn and α-SMA were found exclusively at the periphery of the tissue, corresponding to the presumptive muscularis propria. By 9 weeks, villus rudiments had formed but Tn and α-SMA remained restricted to the muscularis propria. Tn was first detected in the mesenchyme at 11 weeks. By 13 weeks, a preferential distribution of Tn in the subepithelial region of the mesenchyme was readily observed while α-SMA was still absent. From this stage to 20 weeks, Tn gradually concentrated in this region that, as determined by α-SMA detection, corresponded to the future muscularis mucosa area. As shown by double staining of Tn and α-SMA, deposition of Tn also preceded the appearance of the other α-SMA-expressing cells in the mucosa. These observations suggest that Tn could have a role in the differentiation of intestinal contractile cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Groupe de recherche en biologie du développement, Département d'anatomie et de biologie cellulaire, Faculté de médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

    Jean-François Beaulieu, Sophie Jutras, Josée Durand, Pierre H. Vachon & Nathalie Perreault

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  1. Jean-François Beaulieu
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  2. Sophie Jutras
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  3. Josée Durand
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  4. Pierre H. Vachon
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  5. Nathalie Perreault
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Beaulieu, JF., Jutras, S., Durand, J. et al. Relationship between tenascin and α-smooth muscle actin expression in the developing human small intestinal mucosa. Anat Embryol 188, 149–158 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00186248

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