Intestinal mucosal morphometry and analysis of CD3 lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa of piglets after the application of Lactobacillus

The distribution and number of CD3 immunocompetent cells were examined in t he small intestinal mucosa of piglets after longterm application of non-hos t specific Lactobacilli L. casei or L. sp. strain B-5, respectively. The th ickness of the lamina propria of the small intestine resulting from continu ous feeding with these lactic acid bacteria was also measured. The immunohi stochemical examination of the samples showed a lower number of CD3 cells i n the intestinal villi of the ileum after administration of L. sp. strain B -5 and significantly fewer in the epithelium (P<0.05) and in the lamina pro pria ( P<0.01) of the ileum after the application of L. casei. The lamina p ropria of the small intestine was thinner in the experimental groups of pig lets in comparison with the control animals.