Expression and immunohistochemical detection of Nesfatin-1 in thegastrointestinal tract of Casertana pig

In this study, we report nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity in the gastrointestinal tract of Casertana breedpig. The newly discovered anorexigenic peptide nesfatin-1 has been shown to possess physiologicalrelevance in regulating food intake and energy homeostasis at a central level, although evidence hasbeen accumulating that it may also play important functions at a more local gastroenteric level. Nesfatin-1immunoreactive endocrine cells have been detected in the gastric fundus and ileocecal valve. Nesfatin-1immunopositive neurons and nerve fibers have been observed mainly in the enteric plexuses. Westernblot analysis confirmed the immunohistochemical observations, showing immunoreactive bands in allanalyzed gastrointestinal tracts with the exception of the rectum. Nesfatin-1 immunodetection in theswine digestive system reinforces the importance of the role played by nesfatin-1 at the gastrointestinallevel and sustains the necessity to study the role of this peptide in the regulation of food intake in farmspecies for which weight gain is essential for optimizing production.