Figure 6.

Repeated social stress induces dysregulation of the gut barrier functions and induces the expression of claudin-2. The functional parameters of tight junction integrity in the colons from control and stressed mice were determined using an Ussing chamber. Expression of the tight junction barrier proteins was analyzed by Western blot and immunostaining. (A) Transepithelial resistance. (B) Conductance. (C) Permeability for fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (4 kDa). (D, E) Representative Western blot image and analysis of claudin-2 expression in the control and stressed colon (n = 5). (F) Immunofluorescence staining of colonic claudin-2 expression. (G) Western blot image of claudin-1, -3, and -7, occludin, and ZO-1 in the control and stressed colon. n = 4–5 mice/group. RSDS, repeated social defeat stress.