Structural changes of mucous membrane and the presence of immunoglobulins in small intestines of neonatal pigs

The structure of the small intestine of neonatal pigs has an important effect on immunoglobulin absorption. The aim of the experiment was to observe changes in the mucous membrane and the presence of immunoglobulins in the intestines of piglets during the first hours of their postnatal lives. In total, 80 piglets of the Large White breed were divided into two groups of 40 pigs. One group (control) came from an infection-free breeding, the other (experimental) group came from a breeding with the reproduction and respiration syndrome of pigs. Samples (n = 80) of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were taken at intervals of 0, 3, 6 and 12 h after colostrum intake in order to carry out histological tests. Primary pig antibodies were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The low content of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM was detected in all segments of intestines of precolostral piglets. Difference ( P < 0.05) in size of the mucous membrane was found in the duodenum at the interval of 0, 3 and 6 h (46.03%), in the jejunum at 0 and 12 h (45.98%) and in favour of the control group. Compared to the control group, more Ig ( P < 0.01) antibodies were observed in the experimental group: in the duodenum IgG at 12 h (37.22 vs. 10.81%), IgA, 6 h (43.29 vs. 16.71%), IgM, 12 h (25.29 vs. 8.40%), in the jejunum at IgG 12 h (23.97 vs. 9.96%), IgA, 0 h (0.48 vs. 0.37%) and IgM, 3 h (21.80 vs. 10.10%), in the ileum IgG, 0 h (0.38 vs. 0.29%), IgA, 3 h (20.46 vs. 6.45%), IgM, 3 h (31.5 vs. 12.29%). We can conclude that the colostrum intake and the presence of reproduction and respiration syndrome of pigs resulted in changes of microscopic structures of intestines as well as in the presence of Ig in piglet intestines. These mucosal changes significantly affect the development of passive immunity in piglets in the postnatal period.