Targeting eotaxin-1 and CCR3 receptor alleviates enteric neuropathy and colonic dysfunction in TNBS-induced colitis in guinea pigs

Abstract

Background: The accumulation of eosinophils is mediated by the chemokine receptor-3 (CCR3)-eotaxin axis. Increased expression of eotaxin and its receptor is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Activation of eosinophils causes the release of cationic proteins that are neurotoxic such as eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN). Damage to enteric neurons alters neurally controlled functions of the gut correlated with intestinal inflammation. We hypothesized that inhibition of the CCR3-eotaxin axis will prevent inflammation-induced functional changes to the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Hartley guinea pigs were administered with trinitrobenzene sulfonate (TNBS; 30 mg/kg in 30% ethan..