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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
The Mesenteric Lymph Duct Cannulated Rat Model: Application to the Assessment of Intestinal Lymphatic Drug Transport
Published on: March 6, 2015
[Changes of intestinal mucosal lymphocyte homing in rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndromes]
1Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
Objective:
To observe the changes of intestinal mucosal lymphocyte homing in rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) and study the role of intestinal mucosal lymphocyte play in MODS.
Methods:
A rat model of MODS was reproduced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 45 minutes followed by reperfusion for 6 hours. From the fifth hour after reperfusion, intestinal lymph of rats (MODS group 1, n=10) was collected for 1 hour. Intestinal lymph was also collected from rats of control group 1 (n=6). The population of lymphocytes and the percentage of T and B cells were measured in both groups. From the third hour after reperfusion, intestinal lymph of rats (MODS group 2, n=6) was collected for 2 hours. Then, intestinal lymphocytes were labeled with (51)Cr and were infused into blood circulation again at the sixth hour of reperfusion. Various organs were taken out 1 hour later for measurement of (51)Cr-lymphocytes distribution in organs by gamma-counter. Intestinal lymph of control rats (group 2, n=6) was collected. Labeled lymphocytes were also infused into blood circulation of rats again.
Results:
The number of lymphocytes from intestinal mucosa migrated into blood circulation was decreased, the counts were (0.28+/-0.15)X10(7)/h and (2.69+/-0.61)X10(7)/h respectively, while 51 Cr-intestinal lymphocytes homed to intestinal mucosa were increased in MODS induced by intestine ischemia/reperfusion. At the same time, the levels of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in intestinal lymph were also elevated.
Conclusion:
Increased homing of intestinal mucosal lymphocyte is involved in MODS of rats.
Insights
In rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), intestinal mucosal lymphocytes showed increased homing to the gut. This suggests a role for these lymphocytes in the development of MODS following intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a life-threatening condition often triggered by severe injury or infection.
- The gut is increasingly recognized as a central player in the pathogenesis of MODS, acting as a source of inflammatory mediators.
- Intestinal mucosal lymphocytes are key immune cells within the gut, but their specific role in MODS remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the migratory patterns of intestinal mucosal lymphocytes in a rat model of MODS.
- To elucidate the functional significance of intestinal mucosal lymphocyte homing in the context of MODS.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of MODS was established using superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by reperfusion.
- Intestinal lymph was collected to analyze lymphocyte populations, including T and B cells.
- Radioactive labeling (51Cr) of intestinal lymphocytes was performed to track their homing to the intestinal mucosa after re-infusion into the circulation.
Main Results:
- Rats with MODS exhibited a significant decrease in lymphocyte migration from the intestinal mucosa to the bloodstream.
- Conversely, there was an observed increase in the homing of 51Cr-labeled intestinal lymphocytes back to the intestinal mucosa in MODS rats.
- Elevated levels of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were detected in the intestinal lymph of MODS rats.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates that increased homing of intestinal mucosal lymphocytes to the gut is a characteristic feature of MODS in this rat model.
- These findings suggest that altered intestinal mucosal lymphocyte trafficking plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of MODS.
- Targeting lymphocyte homing may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MODS.
