Zinc prevents intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by alpha-hemolysin-producing Escherichia coli 536 infection in porcine colon.

•Zinc is effective against epithelial barrier defect caused by E. coli toxin HlyA.•Claudin redistribution and leak formation contribute to HlyA-induced barrier defect.•Tight junction protein changes in the HlyA-treated colon can be mitigated by zinc.•Addition of luminal unbound zinc can inhibit the E. coli HlyA effect in the colon.