Expression of tight junction molecule “claudins” in the lower oviductal segments and their changes with egg-laying phase and gonadal steroid stimulation in hens

Tight junctions in the mucosal epithelium have essential roles as a mucosal barrier to prevent invasion of microbes into the hen oviduct tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the egg-laying phase and estradiol on the expression of tight junction molecule “claudins” in the lower oviductal segments in hens. White Leghorn laying and molting hens were used. Molting hens were given either sesame oil (vehicle) or estradiol benzoate (N = 5 per group) via injection. The lower segments of oviduct (isthmus, uterus, and vagina) of these birds were collected. Gene expression of claudin-1, -3, -5, lipopolysaccharide-induced TNFα factor (LITAF), and IFNË  was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and localization of claudin-1 was examined by immunohistochemistry. Permeability in the mucosal epithelium was assessed by intrauterine injection of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Expression of claudin-1, -3, and -5 genes and density of claudin-1 protein in the lower oviductal segments were higher in laying hens than in molting hens (P < 0.01); their expression was upregulated by estradiol (P < 0.01). Expression of LITAF and IFNË  genes was higher in molting hens than in laying hens. More fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran infiltrated into the intercellular space of the uterus mucosal epithelium in molting hens than in laying hens and estradiol-treated molting hens. In conclusion, we inferred that barrier functions of the mucosal epithelium in the lower oviductal segments might be disrupted because of reduced claudin expression in molting hens, which might increase the susceptibility of mucosal tissue during the molting phase.