Soybean Beta-Conglycinin Induces Intestinal Immune Responses In Chicks

beta-conglycinin from soybean has been recognized as one of the major feed allergens. This study investigated the effects of beta-conglycinin-induced allergic sensitization on chicks' small intestines. A total of 40 7-day-old (100 g) chicks were divided into four groups as control, j3-conglycinin 1 h, beta-conglycinin 6 h, and beta-conglycinin 12 h. All treatment groups were administered 60 mg of beta-conglycininichick and small intestine samples were collected. beta-conglycinin-induced allergic sensitization marginally damages the epithelium lining of the duodenum villi and, in addition, significantly increases the accumulation of mast cells in the lamina propria and crypt of the duodenum. Moreover, the TNF-alpha level significantly increased in all beta-conglycinin groups. IL-8 and IL-2 were significantly downregulated in the 1 h group; however, there were increases for the 6 h and 12 h groups. These results suggest that beta-conglycinin may lead to an inflammatory response in the chicks' small intestines.