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Effects of nonocclusive mesenteric hypertension on intestinal function: implications for gastroschisis-related

Shinil K Shah1, Kevin R Aroom, Peter A Walker

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.

Pediatric Research
|April 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Nonocclusive mesenteric hypertension (NMH) in gastroschisis (GS) infants may initiate intestinal dysfunction. Measuring mesenteric venous pressure (MVP) and bowel impedance could assess disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neonatal Surgery
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Infants with gastroschisis (GS) experience significant morbidity, including dysmotility and feeding intolerance, increasing the risk of intestinal failure.
  • The molecular mechanisms behind GS-related intestinal dysfunction (GRID) are not well understood.
  • This study investigates the hypothesis that mechanical constriction, specifically nonocclusive mesenteric hypertension (NMH), contributes to GRID.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of NMH on intestinal function and inflammation in a neonatal rat model.
  • To explore the relationship between NMH and the development of GRID.

Main Methods:

  • Neonatal rats underwent either NMH induction (silastic disk placement) or sham surgery.
  • Measurements included mesenteric venous pressures (MVPs), intestinal transit, electric impedance, permeability, length, and tissue water content at 24 and 72 hours.

Main Results:

  • NMH significantly increased MVPs and decreased intestinal transit.
  • NMH induced significant changes in bowel impedance and smooth-muscle thickness, with a loss of intestinal length, but without increased tissue water, indicating intestinal remodeling.
  • These findings suggest NMH is a key factor in GRID development.

Conclusions:

  • NMH may be an initiating factor for GRID.
  • MVP and bowel impedance measurements could serve as potential biomarkers for assessing GRID severity and monitoring its progression or resolution.
Abstract

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