Effects of glutamine on shape and immune function of intestinal mucosa in liver transplantation rats

Objective:To explore the effects of glutamine(Gln)on shape and immune function of intestinal mucosa in liver transplantation rats.Methods:Seventy healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups:normal control group(control group,n= 10),orthotopic liver transplantation group(OLT group,n=30)and OLT + Gln group(Gln group,n=30).Dissection of hepatoduodenal ligament was performed in control group and OLT by modified two-cuff method was performed in OLT group and Gln group.For Gln group,recipients were supplied with nutrison fiber(125 ml/(kg·d))plus Gln(0.3 g/(kg·d))by gastric perfusion at 3 d before surgery and at 3 h after surgery.For OLT group and control group,recipients were supplied with nutrison fiber(125 ml/(kg·d))only.Ileal intestinal wall tissues were taken at 12 h after surgery in control group and at 12,24,72 h after surgery in OLT and Gln groups.Intestinal mucosa shape was observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy,length of the microvilli was measured and intestinal mucosa tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels,secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA)and proliferative activities of epithelial lymphocytes in intestinal mucosa were detected.Results:Intestinal mucosal damage was more severe in OLT group and Gln group than in control group,however it was lighter in Gln group at 24 h and 72 h than in OLT group(P0.01).TNF-α contents were significantly higher in OLT group and Gln group than in control group,but they were significantly lower in Gln group than in OLT group(P0.01).Intestinal mucosa sIgA contents and proliferative activities of epithelial lymphocytes in intestinal mucosa were obviously decreased in OLT group at 12,24,72 h and Gln group at 12 h and 24 h than in control group,but they were significantly increased in Gln group at 24 h and 72 h than in OLT group(P0.01).Conclusions:OLT can increase TNF-α expressions,decrease sIgA contents and decline proliferative activities of epithelial lymphocytes in intestinal mucosa, which will cause damages to intestinal mechanical barrier and immune barrier.Peri-operative application Gln can inhibit TNFα expressions in intestinal mucosa of rats with liver transplantation,increase sIgA contents and improve proliferative activities of epithelial lymphocytes in intestinal mucosa thus protect intestinal mucosa.