Faculty Collaboration Database

Bacterial translocation and intestinal morphological findings in jaundiced rats. Dig Dis Sci 2002 Apr;47(4):929-34

Date

05/07/2002

Pubmed ID

11991630

DOI

10.1023/a:1014733226337

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0036213419 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   46 Citations

Abstract

The susceptibility to sepsis in obstructive jaundice may be related to bacterial translocation (BT) from the gastrointestinal tract. We evaluated BT to visceral organs and morphological changes of the intestinal mucosa in a rat model of obstructive jaundice. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: in group A the common bile duct was tied and divided, while group B had the bile duct mobilized but not tied. After seven days, peritoneal swabs and liver, spleen, pancreas, lung, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), cecum, and terminal ileum biopsies were obtained for cultures. Light and electron microscopy were performed on intestinal samples. The TUNEL assay was performed to detect apoptosis. Data were analyzed using Fisher exact test and Student t test. Bile duct obliteration resulted in an increased incidence of BT. Seven days after duct obliteration, BT to the peritoneal cavity was evident in 37.5% of the animals in group A and 25% in group B. The respective BT rates for the two groups were: 42.8% vs 37.5% to MLN, 71.4% vs 25% to liver, 42.8% vs 12.5% to spleen, 28.6% vs 0% to pancreas and 14.3% vs 0% to lungs. Despite a trend, this was not statistically significant. Cecal counts did not differ statistically among the groups, while ileal counts were significantly higher in jaundiced rats (P < 0.05). Structural and ultrastructural abnormalities were evident only in the mucosa of the terminal ileum of jaundiced rats. Apoptosis was significantly increased in the terminal ileum of jaundiced rats (P < 0.002). This study suggests the possible association of biliary obstruction and BT. The nonspecific physical injury observed may contribute to breakdown of gastrointestinal barrier function thus promoting BT.

Author List

Sileri P, Morini S, Sica GS, Schena S, Rastellini C, Gaspari AL, Benedetti E, Cicalese L

Author

Stefano Schena MD, PhD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Apoptosis
Bacterial Translocation
Colony Count, Microbial
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Intestines
Jaundice
Male
Microscopy, Electron
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Viscera