Ischemia-reperfusion-induced mucosal dysfunction: role of neutrophils

The ability of the small intestine to absorb and transport lipid into lymph is markedly reduced 24 h after a 10-min total occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The aim of this study was to define the role of neutrophils in the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced decrement in lipid absorption. A lipid test meal containing 40 mumol of radioactive triolein was infused intraduodenally at 3 ml/h for 8 h, and radioactive lipid output in lymph was monitored during lipid infusion in intestinal lymph fistula rats. Animals rendered neutropenic with antineutrophil serum (ANS) did not exhibit the reduction in lipid absorption and transport in lymph normally observed 24 h after I/R. This protective effect of ANS was specifically related to the reduction in the number of neutrophils in the intestinal mucosa. The amount of radioactive lipid detected in the liver of untreated rats was significantly higher than in control rats, suggesting an increased portal transport of infused radioactive lipid. Neutropenia reduced the liver lipid level toward the control value. The intestinal blood flow response to SMA occlusion was not altered by neutropenia. Our results suggest that neutrophils play an important role in the mucosal dysfunction associated with ischemia-reperfusion.