Increased variability in mucus layer thickness during clearance.

Abstract

<p>A: The variation in thickness (i.e. the range, as measured with a micropipette in tissue explants) within each sample was altered at the different time points of infection (p<0.05, ANOVA F-test). B: Muc2 (green) stained distal colon of a non-infected C57BL/6 mouse. The inner, highly organized Muc2 layer is indicated by the white bar. C: The section from panel B stained with DAPI. The inner mucus layer is visible as a non-stained black band. D: Muc2 stained distal colon of a mouse infected for 19 days with <i>C. rodentium</i>. The striated adherent inner Muc2 layer is indicated by white bars; one bar has been placed in an area where the inner mucus layer appears thin, and the other one in an area where it is thick. E: The section from panel D stained with DAPI. F: Muc2 stained distal colon of another mouse infected for 19 days with <i>C. rodentium</i>. The adherent Muc2 layer is disorganized. G: The section from panel F stained with DAPI. Sloughed off cells are visible within the inner mucus layer.</p