Abstract:

Objective: Casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) has many physiological functions and unique nutritional
properties. This study aimed to explore its effect on peritoneal immune cells and intestinal mucosal barrier in mice. Methods:
After being intragastrically given CGMP at doses of 30 and 120 μg/d, respectively, 96 female Kunming mice were tested
for phagocytic activity, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) subpopulations and the number of IgA+ plasma cells in
the lamina propria by flow cytometry, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence, respectively. Results:
CGMP administration to mice resulted in a significant increase in phagocytic activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Compared with the control group, CGMP administration also resulted in a significantly higher percentage of intraepithellal
lymphocytes (IEL) in the duodenum and a significantly greater number of IgA+ plasma cells in the lamina propria (P ＜ 0.01).
Conclusion: CGMP can enhance phagocytic activity, induce intestinal mucosal immune response and enhance the intestinal
mucosal barrier function.

Key words: casein glycomacropeptide, intestinal mucosal barrier, phagocytic activity, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes;IgA+ plasma cells