imprint:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2019
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1073/pnas.1820130116
ISSN:
0027-8424;
1091-6490
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
<jats:title>Significance</jats:title>
<jats:p>Consequences of heat stress, particularly for the immune system and the intestinal health of mammals, are a topic of increasing global relevance due to rising temperatures and potential health impairments. Specific climate effects, however, are often difficult to discriminate from indirect consequences, e.g. reduced feed intake. Our study in dairy cattle, which are particularly sensitive to heat, identifies the infiltration of the small intestinal epithelium by a previously unobserved distinct cell population with macrophage-like phenotype in response to moderate heat stress. By using a pair-feeding design, we attributed these effects as direct consequences of heat stress via impaired intestinal barrier function. Therefore, an appropriate gut function is an important component in combating the negative consequences of heat stress.</jats:p>