Effect of Oral and Parenteral Sensitization to Bovine β-Lactoglobulin on Intestinal Structure in Rats

Wistar rats were sensitized by intradermal administration of b -Lactoglobulin ( b -Lg). The sensitization was boosted once again after two weeks. The oral sensitization was monitored by drinking fresh cow milk for 21 d. Both types of sensitization led to high IgG titers against b -Lg , especially in parenterally immunized animals. Histological examination of intestinal tissue revealed a marked decrease in villus length in sensitized rats by the parenteral route. An increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes and goblet cells was observed in both groups of sensitized rats. The results indicate that chronic exposure to cow’s milk proteins leads to intestinal injury.