Intestinal bacteria and permeability during experimental acute pancreatitis in rats

Abstract

Background: An increase in intestinal permeability and subsequent
bacterial translocation has been demonstrated in
critical illness. Cellulose derivatives have in the past been
shown to reduce gut leakage following liver resection.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes
in microbial counts in experimental acute pancreatitis and
the effect of pre-treatment with cellulose derivatives and
N-acetyl cysteine.
Subjects: 92 male Sprague Dawley rats.
Methods: Acute pancreatitis was induced by intraductal taurodeoxycholic
acid infusion. Animals received oral pretreatment
and were randomized to either sham operation
or the pancreatitis groups, with or without pre-treatment
with cellulose derivatives, the antioxidant or their combinations.
Intestinal bacterial populations and permeability
were evaluated using bacterial counts and Ussing chamber,
respectively.
Results: The number of E. coli increased in the luminal content
and ileal and colonic mucosa, but levels were restored
to almost those seen in controls in all pre-treatment groups
except for N-acetyl cysteine. When intestinal permeability
was measured, none of the treatment groups showed sigNacetyl
cysteine, which significantly increased permeability.
Conclusion: Pre-treatment with cellulose derivatives was
more efficient against disturbances in intestinal permeability
and microbial populations than the antioxidant Nacetyl
cysteine.
Key words: acute pancreatitis, bacterial counts, dietary fibres,
intestinal permeability
Grants: Swedish Research Council (grant no 11236), Royal
Physiographic Society (Lund), Lars Hierta´s Minne, Crafoord
Foundation.