[Change in intestinal function in sepsis in rat].

Objective: To study the barrier function, absorption, permeability and peristalsis of intestine in sepsis in rats.

Methods: A Wistar rat model of sepsis was reproduced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the intestine combined with endotoxin challenge. Animal were randomly divided into normal, I/R 1 hours (I/R 1), I/R 2 hours (I/R 2), I/R 4 hours (I/R 4) and I/RL groups. The following parameters were measured in the experiments: (1) diamin oxidase activity (DAO), D-lactate and D-xylose levels in blood using spectrophotometry; (2) transit function of small intestine; (3) pathological examination of small intestine by light microscope.

Results: The results showed that plasma DAO activity was increased in I/R 1, I/R 4 and I/RL (all P<0.05), and small intestinal tissue DAO was decreased in I/R 2 and I/RL (both P<0.05). Negative correlations were found between plasma and intestinal DAO (r=-0.909, P<0.001). Plasma D-lactate was elevated significantly in I/R 1, I/R 2, and I/RL (all P<0.05). D-xylose content was increased at I/R1 and I/RL groups (both P<0.05), and it was significantly higher than controls at 3 hours. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between plasma DAO activity and plasma D-lactate level (r=0.559, P<0.05).

Conclusion: The intestinal barrier function, absorption function, permeability, and transit are impaired after gut ischemia/reperfusion combined with endotoxin challenge.