Effect of ecoimmunonutrition on shape and subgroups of T lymphocyte of the small bowel mucosa in rats with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Objective: To explore the effect of ecoimmunonutrition on the shape and the sub-groups of T lymphocyte of the small bowel mucosa in rats with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Methods: Rat models of SIRS were established by injecting LPS via the tail vein. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. One of the four enteral nutrition formulas (standard EN, immunonutrition, econutrition, ecoimmunonutrition) was given to each group respectively for 7 days. The shape of small bowel was observed. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the sub-groups of T lymphocyte of the small bowel mucosa. Results: The results showed that small bowel mucosal villous height, crypt depth, mucosal thickness and villous surface area were significantly increased in immunonutrition group and ecoimmunonutrition group compared with standard EN group (P0.01). The CD3 + lymphocyte in standard EN group was lower than that in the other 3 groups (P 0.01 ), and the result was also significantly higher in ecoimmunonutrition group than in immunonutrition group and econutrition group. The CD4 + lymphocyte in immunonutrition group was markedly higher than that in standard EN group. The CD8 + lymphocyte and the ratio of CD4 + /CD8 + were significantly lower than those in the other 3 groups. Conclusions: Ecoimmunonutrition may protect the mechanical gut barrier function more effectively in rats with SIRS.