[Effects of moderate hypothermia on expression of nuclear factor-KappaB in rats with acute pancreatitis]

To observe the dynamic changes in the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-KappaB (NF-KappaB) in rat pancreatic and lung tissues in acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis (AHNP), and investigate the effects of moderate hypothermia on AHNP-induced NF-KappaB binding activity in a time-dependent fashion.

A group of 24 rats was randomly divided into control group, 2, 5 or 12 hours groups after reproduction of AHNP. NF-KappaB binding activity in pancreas and lung tissues was determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). In another group of 36 rats were randomized into three groups with equal number: sham-operated rats which were kept under 37-37.5 degrees C after laparotomy; AHNP rats with normothermia (37-37.5 degrees C); AHNP rats with moderate hypothermia (32-33 degrees C). Activity of NF-KappaB was assessed at 2 or 5 hours after reproduction of pancreatitis.

DNA binding activity of NF-KappaB in pancreas and lung tissue of AHNP rats gradually increased after the development of pancreatitis, and NF-KappaB binding activity was more prominent in pancreas than that in lung tissue at each time point (all P<0.01). NF-KappaB binding activity was inhibited at 2 and 5 hours of moderate hypothermia in lung tissue (P<0.01), but there was no difference in pancreatic tissue between normothermic and hypothermic rats at each time point.

These data suggest that the expression of NF-KappaB is significantly increased after the development of AHNP. Moderate hypothermia could inhibit the expression of NF-KappaB in lung tissue in acute pancreatitis.