TJP1 and Stroke: To investigate gut barrier integrity we examined expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 by colonic epithelial cells, which is known to display reduced expression in the colon in the first 24 h after experimental stroke.35 In agreement with studies showing resolution of barrier integrity 24 h post-experimental stroke.11 no changes in ZO-1 expression were detected at any of the recovery time points assessed (Figure 2(a) and (b)).