Early weaning stress induces chronic functional diarrhea, intestinal barrier defects, and increased mast cell activity in a porcine model of early life adversity

Abstract

Background: Early life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for development of gastrointestinal disorders later in life. The underlying mechanisms through which ELA and sex interact to influence disease susceptibility remains poorly understood. Methods: Utilizing a porcine early weaning stress (EWS) model to mimic ELA, we investigated the long-term effects of EWS on functional diarrhea, ileal permeability, mast cell activity and mast cell relationship with enteric ganglia. Key Results: Juvenile and adult EWS pigs exhibited chronic, functional diarrhea (EWS 43.6% vs late wean control(LWC) 4.8%, P