Figure 2
From: Commensal microbiota induces colonic barrier structure and functions that contribute to homeostasis
Microbiota is required for establishment of physiological colonic barrier mucus and microvillus structure. Mucus structure and microvillus length were evaluated in GF and SPF mice. (a) Representative EM pictures demonstrating bacterial exclusion and microvillus length. Markings indicate microvilli (Mv), epithelial cells (EC), and the black arrow indicates separation of bacteria (B) from the epithelium by the mucus (Mu) layer. (b) Microvillus length. Each data point represents analysis of one image; the horizontal line and whiskers depict the mean ± SD. Data was collected over 2–5 independently executed experiments. Significance was determined using an unpaired, two-tailed Mann-Whitney test.
