The effects of splenectomy on intestinal mucosa barrier in rats with obstructive jaundice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of splenectomy on the intestine mucosa barrier in rats with obstructive jaundice. Methods 50 Wistar rats were divided randomly into the obstructive jaundice group (OJ), in which the animals underwent operation to ligate common bile duct, and the obstructive jaundice + splenectomy group (OJ+ S). Seven days post-operation, plasma endotoxin levels were detected. Intestinal mucosa permeability was measured by the ratios of lactulose and mannitol (L/M). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to examine the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) in the distal ileum mucosa. Western blots images were analyzed quantitatively. Results Average ratios of L/M and plasma endotoxin were decreased obviously in the OJ+S group compared to those in the OJ group (all P=0. 001). Compared with the OJ group, the average intestinal villus height and mucosa thickness were upgraded somewhat in the OJ + S group (P = 0.019, 0. 001 ). By immunohistochemistry staining seven days post-operation, same comment as above the amounts of strong positive expression of ZO-1 were significantly decreased in the OJ group (6/18, P-0. 021). There wewas no difference between the OJ+S group(8/17) and the OJ group.The amount of strong positive expression of occludin was higher in the OJ + S group than that of the OJ group(10/17 vs 4/18, P= 0. 026). The same outcomes were obtained by quantitative Western blot images. Conclusion The intestinal epithelial permeability was increased in rats with obstructive jaundice,and intestinal barrier was damaged. After excising spleen, the amount and distribution of tight junction proteins were changed and the impairment of intestinal barrier was abated. Key words: Obstructive jaundice; Splenectomy; Intestine mucosa barrier; Tight junction proteins