A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF THERMAL INJURIES ON INTESTINE OF ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Thermal injuries are one of the most common problems faced in the emergency room and can cause multiorgan failure distant from the original burn wound. Gastrointestinal system is one of the most affected systems in systemic inflammatory response to thermal injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of scald injuries on the intestine (ileum) of adult male albino rats at 6, 12 & 24 hours post injury. Fifty-four adult male albino rats were equally divided into three groups: group I (negative control group), group II (sham group) and group III (scald injured group). Effects of scald injuries on intestine (ileum) at 6, 12 & 24 hours post injury were studied through: measuring of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) level and histopathological examination using light microscope including H&E stained sections and immunohistochemical staining for detection of (TNF-α) activity.The results revealed that, in group III (scaldinjured group), Systemic inflammatory responses were demonstrated by significant increases in serum (TNF- α) levels at 6 h post injury and remained up regulated till 24h, histopathological changes were (shedding of epithelial cells, shortening and fusion of the villi and inflammatory cellular infiltrations in the connective tissue core of intestinal villi). Also, time dependent TNF-α activation was detected in the intestine at 6 hours post-injury and persisted till 24 hours. From the previous results it can be concluded that, scald injury induced marked systemic inflammatory responses, as characterized by significant increases in serum (TNF- α), histopathological changes in the intestine. Also, a time dependent TNF-activation was detected in the intestine of adult male albino rats.