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Observation of microvasculature in intestinal wall after burn in rats
Lijian Shao1, Qingxian Zhu, Wei Feng
1Department of Human Anatomy, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between intestinal mucosa injury and changes in stereologic parameters for its vessels.
Study Design:
PAS stain was used to observe the basement membrane of intestinal epithelium. To measure the parameters of microvasculature by stereology, microvasculature was shown by alkaline phosphatase stain. Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity was determined by spectrophotometry.
Results:
Red mucus became thinner than that of the control group; basement membrane was disrupted at 3 post burn hours (PBH). Changes became more serious at 6 and 12 PBH. Villus height and crypt depth appeared shortened at post burn. Microvasculature diameter was reduced. Mean section area at 12 PBH was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01). Mean circumference at 6 PBH was 19.43 +/- 1.59 microm and in the control group 23.84 +/- 4.17 microm. After burn injury, DAO activity in the intestine was reduced, falling to minimum at 12 PBH (p < 0.01), and in plasma was raised significantly, reaching peak at 12 PBH (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Our results suggest disruption of basement membrane, reduction of microvasculature diameter and DAO activity in intestine will appear at post burn, which induces decreased blood flow in intestine and damage to intestinal mucosa.
Insights
Burn injury disrupts the intestinal basement membrane and reduces microvasculature diameter and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity. This leads to decreased intestinal blood flow and mucosal damage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Biology
- Tissue Injury
Background:
- Intestinal mucosa integrity is crucial for gut function.
- Burn injuries can cause systemic effects, including gastrointestinal complications.
- Understanding microvascular changes in the gut post-burn is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the link between intestinal mucosa injury and alterations in its microvasculature.
- To quantify stereologic changes in intestinal blood vessels after burn injury.
Main Methods:
- PAS staining for intestinal epithelial basement membrane observation.
- Alkaline phosphatase staining for microvasculature visualization and stereologic measurement.
- Spectrophotometry for determining diamine oxidase (DAO) activity.
Main Results:
- Basement membrane disruption observed by 3 post-burn hours (PBH), worsening at 6 and 12 PBH.
- Reduced villus height, crypt depth, and microvasculature diameter post-burn.
- Significantly decreased intestinal DAO activity and increased plasma DAO activity by 12 PBH.
Conclusions:
- Burn injury causes intestinal basement membrane disruption and microvascular changes.
- Reduced intestinal microvasculature diameter and DAO activity contribute to decreased blood flow.
- These factors collectively lead to intestinal mucosal damage after burn injury.
