ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of chronic stress on the mucin secretion and muc2 protein content in goblet cells of rat colonic mucosa. Methods 24 healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. Control group moved freely, experimental group was forced to undergo 2-hour-long immobilization stress per day for 14 days. The number of goblet cells containing mucus was determined by AB/PAS histochemical staining. The expression of muc2 protein was detected by immuohistochemical staining. Results Chronic stress decreased the number of goblet cells containing mucus, and down-regulated the expression of muc2 protein in goblet cells in rat colonic mucosa. Conclusion Chronic stress damaged the colonic epithelial barrier and functions of colonic goblet cells.