Inhibitory effect of IL-1β on galactose intestinal absorption in rabbits.

Background/aims: Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that nitric oxide is involved in the IL-1β-induced inhibition of D-fructose intestinal transport in rabbits. The aim of this work was to further the studies of IL-1β effect on D-galactose absorption in a septic state induced by intravenous administration of this cytokine.

Methods: Galactose intestinal absorption was assessed employing three techniques: sugar uptake in jejunum everted rings, transepithelial flux in Ussing-type chambers and uptake assays in brush border membrane vesicles. The level of the Na(+)/D-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) expression was analyzed by Western blot.

Results: In sepsis condition the body temperature was increased and studies on cellular intestinal integrity have not shown modifications in the brush border membrane. However, D-galactose absorption across mucosa of jejunum was diminished in IL-1β treated rabbits. The levels of SGLT-1 were no significantly different in both animal groups (control and IL-1β treated), indicating that the cytokine could induce a reduction in the SGLT-1 functionality. The inhibition was significantly reversed by the activation of several PKC, PKA, MAPKs and nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB inhibitors administered 15 min before the IL-1β.

Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of IL-1β on D-galactose absorption across mucosal side of enterocyte could be mediated by the activation of several kinases and nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB.