Evidence of intestinal binding of prion protein in fish

Intestinal uptake of abnormal prion protein (PrPSc), the infectious agent involved in transmissible spongiform encephalopaties (TSEs), has been investigated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Experimental procedures were conducted in vitro, both by immunoblotting, in isolated everted intestine, after PrPSc perfusion, and by immunohistological PrPSc localization, in isolated intestine and pyloric caeca, after static perfusion of infected material. Results indicated that PrPSc has been bound by intestinal mucosa, though no evidences sustained PrPSc crossing of intestinal barrier.