843 A Study on Changes of Pancreatic Structure and Function After Severe Burns and Its Mechanism

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This research was to explore the changes of pancreatic structure and function after severe burns and its mechanism. Methods A scald model of rats with a 50% total body surface area was established. Rats were injected with bpv (hopic, 0.6 mg/kg) subcutaneously once daily post scald creation. Rats’ fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum insulin concentration were measured to calculate the insulin resistance index at 72 h post injury. Western blot assay was used to measure the content of p-Akt and t-Akt in pancreatic tissue and observe Akt phosphorylation levels. Paraffin sections and electron microscopic sections of pancreatic tissue were prepared for observation under light and transmission electron microscopy. The number of insulin particles and insulin vacuoles attached to per 10 μm of the cell membrane in β cells were calculated. Results Scalds increased FBG and impaired glucose tolerance significantly in the rats. Bpv could reduce blood glucose and improve glucose tolerance remarkably. Western blot assay revealed that the activity of PI3k/Akt pathway in rats’ pancreas decreased after scalding, and bpv could up-regulate its activity. The number of insulin particles attached to to per 10 μm of the cell membrane in β cells was reduced, and the proportion of insulin vacuoles was increased, indicating that rats’ insulin secretion function was impaired. After treatment with bpv, rats’ insulin secretion function was improved. Conclusions The activity of PI3k/Akt pathway in scalded rats’ pancreas is reduced and the insulin secretion function is decreased. Improving the activity of PI3k/Akt pathway in rats’ pancreas may improve the insulin secretion function and restore physiological blood glucose levels during the early stage after scalding. Applicability of Research to Practice This research may be applicable in practice in the future to regulate the metabolism of burn patients.