Fig. 5

Gut barrier structure and permeability features at 5 days and weaning. A Colon or ileum number of crypts at 5 days (n = 7–8); percentage of goblet cells along with representative photos of colon and ileum samples, stained by Alcian blue or PAS. B Crypt length and goblet cell percentages along with representative photos of colon or ileum samples, stained by AB or PAS at weaning (n = 6–10). C and D Concentration of sCD14 in serum samples at 5 days (n = 20) and weaning (n = 20). E Global permeability measured by the tracer FITC-dextran in serum at weaning (n = 28). Permeability to the tracers FSA, TD4 and HRP of colon, ileum and caecum tissues mounted in Ussing chambers (n = 10). Electrical conductance of colon and ileum tissues mounted in Ussing chambers (n = 10). Groups: vaginal delivery (VD, blue) and C-section delivery (CSD, red). AB, Alcian blue; PAS, periodic acid-Schiff. *p-value < 0.05; **p-value < 0.01