Intestinal bacteria and permeability during experimental acute pancreatitis in rats

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 significant differences compared to challenge, except for N-acetyl 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.