Microarray analysis of intestinal immune-related gene expression in heat-stressed rats

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate immune-related gene expression in rat small intestine after heat stress. Materials and methods: Twelve Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control and heat-stressed groups. Rats in both groups were housed at 25 degrees C with 60% relative humidity. The heat-stressed group was subjected to 40 degrees C for 2 h/day for 3 days. After heat stress, the mRNA expression profile of small intestine epithelial tissue was evaluated by microarray analysis. Results: A total of 23 genes related to immune responses were significantly altered, of which 12 genes were up-regulated and 11 genes were down-regulated. Conclusions: Microarray analysis demonstrated the JAK-STAT pathway had a potentially important role in the regulation of inflammation in the small intestine, and changes in antigen presentation might reduce intestinal immune responses after heat stress.