Rapid Communication
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2006; 12(3): 479-481
Published online Jan 21, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i3.479
Intestinal permeability in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension
Guo-Xiang Yao, Zhong-Yi Shen, Xin-Bo Xue, Zhen Yang
Guo-Xiang Yao, Xin-Bo Xue, Zhen Yang, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
Zhong-Yi Shen, Department of Surgery, First Hospital, Dalian Medical College, Dalian 116023, Liaoning Province, China
Correspondence to: Guo-Xiang Yao, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. gxyao@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-27-61048672 Fax: +86-27-61048672
Received: May 17, 2005
Revised: June 8, 2005
Accepted: June 15, 2005
Published online: January 21, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the intestinal barrier changes in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension.

METHODS: The permeability of intestinal barrier detected by Lanthanum as a tracer was evaluated in rats. Bacterial translocation and plasma endotoxin were also determined.

RESULTS: The incidence of bacterial translocation was 85% in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension, which was significantly higher than that in control rats (20%, P<0.01). Plasma endotoxin level was significantly higher in experimental group than in control group. Permeability of the epithelial mucosa and pathological alteration were increased in the ileum and the microvilli became shorter and thinner in rats with portal hypertension.

CONCLUSION: Bacterial translocation occurs in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension and increased permeability between epithelial cells contributes to the translocation.

Keywords: Portal hypertension; Bacterial translocation; Intestinal barrier