Downregulation in aquaporin 4 and aquaporin 8 expression of the colon associated with the induction of allergic diarrhea in a mouse model of food allergy

Food allergies have become increasingly prevalent during the past few decades. Diarrhea is one of the most frequent intestinal symptoms caused by food allergens and is characterized by imbalanced ion exchange and water transfer; however, the underlying mechanism of allergic diarrhea remains unclear. Water transfer across the intestinal epithelial membrane seems to occur via aquaporins (AQPs). However, the molecular mechanism of water transfer and the pathophysiological roles of aquaporins in the intestine have not been fully established. The present studies have focused on the alterations of AQPs in a mouse model of allergic diarrhea in which BALB/c mice developed diarrhea following repeated challenges of orally administered ovalbumin. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis and immunohistochemical technique were used for expression of mRNA and protein of AQPs, respectively. AQP4 and AQP8 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in the proximal colon of allergic mice compared to controls; likewise, expression of AQP4 and AQP8 proteins was reduced in the proximal colon of the allergic mice. These results suggest that allergic diarrhea is associated with a downregulation in AQP4 and AQP8 expression.