Development and Validation of a Gliadin Induced Intestinal Enteropathy Rat Model of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

Abstract

Background: Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a syndrome that is related to the ingestion of gluten-containing
food. In the current study we developed and validated a NCGS rat model.
Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: control group (receiving 0.02 M acetic acid solution)
and gliadin group (receiving 1.5 mg/g of body weight of gliadin in acetic acid solution). Rats received its treatment by
intra-gastric gavage on postnatal day 2, then three times a week for 6 weeks. Animals were assessed for weight changes,
intestinal permeability, histology, inflammatory cytokines, andanti-gliadin antibodies (AGA). Intestinal
permeability was evaluated 24 h prior to sacrifice by administering a lactulose/mannitol solution (500/250 mg/kg
respectively), and collecting urine for 24 h. For histological examination, small intestines were collected, fixed, and
stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Intestinal gene expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP 3a62, CYP 3a9/18) and
uptake transporters, breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2), and P-glycoprotein (MDR1a) wereevaluated using qRT-
PCR. Blood was collected for measurement of totalanti-gliadin antibodies (AGA), anti-gliadin immunoglobulins A and
M (AGA-IgA and AGA-IgM), and pro-inflammatory cytokines