Intestinal wall damage in simple lleus in rabbits: Immune-modulator role of somatostatin

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background/Aims: We aim to determine in which way the local immune system would be responsible for the structural changes in intestinal obstruction, and how these are influenced by Somatostatin, an intestinal peptide with immunomodulatory properties. Simple ileus causes a series of functional and anatomical changes, which have been related to the peptidergic neural system, and inflammatory mediators. These chages are reversible with the use of Somatostatin. Methodology: 27 rabbits divided into three groups, were subjected to the same procedure, in which a simple colsed loop obstruction is caused by means of jejunum ligatures. The three groups are perfused with physiologic saline during 24 hours post-obstruction; one of them is perfused with Somatostatin from the time of intervention, and other after 8 hours. Samples of the instestinal Wall are taken for histological analysis, and of the intraluminal liquid to determine the tumor necrosis factor α interleukin 2, interleukin 6, and serotonin. Results: Both group treated with Somatostatin show a wall which is in good condition, while the untreated group showed lesions. These lesions are related to higher levels of tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 2, while there were no changes in the levels of interleukin 6. Conclusions: The Somatostatin in perfusion shows a cytoportective activity in the instestinal wall, and a blockage of the production of mediators of celular inmmunity, while humoral immunity does not appear to be involved in these phenomena.