We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Influence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic on selected active substances in the intramural neurons of the porcine duodenum
Summary
Scientists fed pigs PET microplastics (the type found in plastic bottles) for 28 days and found changes in the nerve cells of their small intestine, which is one of the first organs exposed to ingested microplastics. Higher doses caused shifts in important nerve signaling chemicals that help control digestion, pain, and gut function. Because pig digestive systems are similar to humans, these results suggest that swallowing microplastics may affect how our gut nerves work.
BACKGROUND: Currently, society and industry generate huge amounts of plastics worldwide. The ubiquity of microplastics is obvious, but its impact on the animal and human organism remains not fully understood. The digestive tract is one of the first barriers between pathogens and xenobiotics and a living organism. Its proper functioning is extremely important in order to maintain homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of microplastic on enteric nervous system and histological structure of swine duodenum. The experiment was carried out on 15 sexually immature gilts, approximately 8 weeks old. The animals were randomly divided into 3 study groups (n = 5/group). The control group received empty gelatin capsules once a day for 28 days, the first research group received daily gelatin capsules with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles as a mixture of particles of various sizes (maximum particle size 300 µm) at a dose of 0.1 g/animal/day. The second study group received a dose ten times higher-1 g/animal/day. RESULTS: A dose of 1 g/day/animal causes more changes in the enteric nervous system and in the histological structure of duodenum. Statistically significant differences in the expression of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, galanin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, substance P, vesicular acetylcholine transporter and vasoactive intestinal peptide between control and high dose group was noted. The histopathological changes were more frequently observed in the pigs receiving higher dose of PET. CONCLUSION: Based on this study it may be assumed, that oral intake of microplastic might have potential negative influence on digestive tract, but it is dose-dependent.
Sign in to start a discussion.