Alterations of intestinal immune function and regulatory effects of L-arginine in experimental severe acute pancreatitis rats.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the changes of intestinal mucosal immune function in rats with experimental severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the regulatory effect of L-arginine.


METHODS
Male adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into pancreatitis group, sham-operation group, and L-arginine treatment group. Animals were killed at 24, 48, and 72 h after SAP models were developed and specimens were harvested. Endotoxin concentration in portal vein was determined by limulus endotoxin analysis kit. CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes in intestinal mucosal lamina propria were examined by immunohistochemistry. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in cecum feces was examined by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
Compared to the control group, plasma endotoxin concentration in the portal vein increased, percentage of CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets in the end of intestinal mucosal lamina propria reduced significantly, CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased, and SIgA concentrations in cecum feces reduced at 24, 48, and 72 h after SAP developed. Compared to SAP group, the L-arginine treatment group had a lower level of plasma endotoxin concentration in the portal vein, a higher CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte percentage in the end of intestinal mucosal lamina propria, an increased ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and a higher SIgA concentration in cecum feces.


CONCLUSIONS
Intestinal immune suppression occurs in the early stage of SAP rats, which may be the main reason for bacterial and endotoxin translocation. L-arginine can improve the intestinal immunity and reduce bacterial and endotoxin translocation in SAP rats.
Qiao
Shi-Feng
SF
Department of General Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Yangfangdian District, Beijing 100038, China. qiaoshf@tom.com
Lu
Tian-Jing
TJ
Sun
Jia-Bang
JB
Li
Fei
F
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018988:Bacterial Translocation / Q000187:drug effects; D007422:Intestines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018805:Sepsis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D001120:Arginine