Multidirectional and simultaneous evaluation of gastroschisis-related intestinal damage in chick embryos

PurposeIn a chick model of gastroschisis, we aimed to investigate the morphological/cellular, molecular, and ultrastructural changes taking place in gastroschisis-related intestinal damage (GRID).Methods13-Day fertilized eggs were divided into two groups. Control group: chorio-amnio-allontoic membranes opened and abdominal wall exposed. Gastroschisis group: an anterior abdominal wall defect created after opening membranes. Embryos from both groups were surgically removed on post-fertilization day 19. Intestinal samples were obtained for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and electron microscopy.ResultsThe histopathological grade of intestinal damage which primarily involved mucosal structures was significantly higher in the gastroschisis group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemically, E-cadherin and synaptophysin immunoreactivity in the gastroschisis group was significantly lower than control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in laminin and type-4 collagen immunoreactivity between the groups (p > 0.05). Molecular analyses indicated a significant decrease in NFκB and IκB expression in the gastroschisis group (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001, respectively). Electron microscopy showed that the gastroschisis group had considerable ultrastructural damage, manifested by apoptosis in all layers.ConclusionsGRID affected all layers but was more prominent in mucosa. The damage may depend on E-cadherin and synaptophysin downregulation. Increased apoptotic activity, associated with decreased NFκB and IκB expression, may be an important component of this multifactorial damaging process.