Abstract
The avian oviduct connects to the gastrointestinal tract through cloaca, where it is exposed to pathogenic bacteria from intestinal contents. Therefore, improvement of mucosal barrier function in the oviduct is important for safe poultry production. Lactic acid bacteria are known to contribute to strengthening the mucosal barrier function in the intestinal tract, and a similar effect is expected in the oviduct mucosa of chickens. This study aimed to clarify the effects of vaginal administration of lactic acid bacteria on the mucosal barrier function of the oviduct. White Leghorn laying hens (500-days old) were intravaginally administered 1 mL of Lactobacillus johnsonii suspension (1 × 10(5) and 1 × 10(8) cfu/mL: low concentration of Lactobacillus (LL) and high concentration of Lactobacillus (HL) groups, respectively) or without bacteria (control: C group) for 7 d (n = 6). The oviductal magnum, uterus, and vagina were collected for histological observations and mucosal barrier function-related gene expression analysis. Amplicon sequence analysis of oviductal mucus bacteria was also performed. Eggs were collected during the experimental period and their weight was measured. Vaginally administering L. johnsonii for 7 d caused 1) an increase in α-diversity of vaginal mucosa microbiota with an increase in the abundance ratio of beneficial bacteria and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria, 2) enhanced claudin (CLA) 1 and 3 gene expression in the magnum and vaginal mucosa, and 3) a decrease in avian β-defensin (AvBD) 10, 11, and 12 gene expression in the magnum, uterus, and vaginal mucosa. These results suggest that transvaginal administration of L. johnsonii contributes to protection against infection in the oviduct by improving the microflora of the oviductal mucosa and strengthening the mechanical barrier function of the tight junctions. In contrast, transvaginal administration of lactic acid bacteria does not enhance the production of AvBD10, 11, and 12 in the oviduct.