Tributyltin exposure disrupts intestinal barrier and enteric nervous system in the ileum of Wistar rats

Tributyltin (TBT) is a lipophilic compound known to damage biological membranes and is associated with neurotoxic and inflammatory effects. This study evaluated the impact of TBT (20 ng/g and 600 ng/g) on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) barrier and morphology and enteric nervous system (ENS) of Wistar rats exposed for 30 days via gavage. We observed a significant reduction in goblet cell density in the group 20 ng/g, and an increase in goblet cells in the group 600 ng/g. There was also an increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in both exposed groups, indicating an activated immune response and potential tissue injury. In the enteric nervous system, neuronal metabolism decreased without affecting overall neuronal density, in the group 20 ng/g, while the group exposed to 600 ng/g showed an increase in total neuronal density with the maintenance of metabolic activity. TBT exposure also induced an increase in peroxiredoxin-2 (Prx2) in both groups and altered occludin expression. Integrated biomarker response (IBR) analysis confirmed that TBT disrupted intestinal homeostasis and neuronal integrity, affecting cellular functions and causing immunological and oxidative dysfunctions.