Bacterial translocation and inflammatory alterations in an experimental intestinal obstruction model in splenectomized rats

Abstract

Purpose: Intestinal obstruction leads to an increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, oxidative injury, mucosal barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation with the deterioration of normal ecological balance. Mitogenic activity resulting from splenectomy is reported to influence the development of bacterial translocation as a result of an increase in the proliferation of T cells and a decrease in the levels of serum tufsin. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of splenectomy on bacterial translocation and inflammatory response alterations resulting from the intestinal obstruction in rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups as follows: Group 1 (Sham), only the ileocecal junction dissection; Group 2 (intestinal obstruction), complete ileal ligation; Group 3 (Splenectomy + intestinal obstruction), splenectomy following complete ileal ligation. 24 hours after the initial laparotomy, rats were sacrificed with the reception of intra-cardiac blood. Peritoneal swap, mesenteric lymph node, liver and ileal specimens, taken in sterile conditions, were examined microbiologically, biochemically and histopathologically.

Results: Intestinal obstruction resulted in a significant increase in bacterial translocation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and ileal mucosal injury (p<0.05). No significant difference occurred between the splenectomized and non-splenectomized rats. Similar asimetric dimethylarginine levels were observed in all groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions: It was proven that splenectomy has no significant effect on the bacterial translocation and inflammation in experimental intestinal obstruction models in rats.