Early enteral nutrition can improve intestinal mucosal barrier in severe acute pancreatitis in rats

Objective To investigate the protective effect of early enteral nutrition (EN) on intestinal mucosal barrier in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats. Methods 48 SD rats were equally randomized into 6 groups(n =8): SAP was induced in rats of groups A, C and E. Rats of groups B, D and F underwent laparotomy without induction of SAP. Groups A-D received total parenteral nutrition(TPN) , while groups E and F received TPN within 48 hours following EN. Animals in groups A and B were sacrificed at 24 hours postoperation while animals in the other groups were sacrificed at 120 hours postoperation. The villus height, crypt depth of the jejunal mucosa and the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytec of lamina propria were analyzed. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was calculated. Results None of the rats died. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significantly lower in group C than in group D. The villus height and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in group E were significantly higher than those in group C. Conclusions The intestinal mucosal barrier was damaged in SAP in rats. Early enteral nutrition was able to improve the intestinal mucosal barrier in SAP in rats.