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Updated: May 5, 2026
Establishment of a Mouse Severe Acute Pancreatitis Model using Retrograde Injection of Sodium Taurocholate into the Biliopancreatic Duct
Published on: April 1, 2022
Melatonin reduces bacterial translocation by preventing damage to the intestinal mucosa in an experimental severe
Xuecheng Sun1, Yingying Shao, Yin Jin
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Recent studies have demonstrated that melatonin significantly decreased all studied acute pancreatitis-associated inflammatory parameters, in addition to reducing apoptosis and necrosis associated with pancreatic injury. However, the effect of melatonin on gut barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of melatonin on intestinal integrity in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) to evaluate whether melatonin prevented intestine barrier dysfunction and reduced bacterial translocation. Forty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups, with 8 rats in the sham operation (SO) group, 18 rats in the SAP group and 14 SAP rats in the melatonin treatment (MT) group. SAP was induced by retrograde injection of 4% taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. Melatonin was administered 30 min prior to taurocholate injection in the melatonin-treated rats. All rats were sacrificed 24 h subsequent to pancreatitis induction. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect and quantify Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 in postcava blood. The microvilli structure was also analyzed with transmission electron microscopy. The level of E. coli DNA in the MT group was significantly lower than in rats in the SAP group. No E. coli DNA was detected in the control group. Villus height and crypt depth in the ileum were significantly higher in the MT and control groups compared to the SAP group, and were significantly higher in the MT group than in the SAP group. These results suggested that melatonin prevented gut barrier dysfunction and reduced bacterial translocation, resulting in reduced pancreatic-associated infections and decreased early mortality rates.
Insights
Melatonin treatment significantly improved gut barrier function and reduced bacterial translocation in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This suggests melatonin may prevent infections and lower mortality in SAP patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Melatonin has shown anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in acute pancreatitis.
- The impact of melatonin on gut barrier integrity and bacterial translocation in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of melatonin on intestinal integrity in a rat model of SAP.
- To determine if melatonin prevents gut barrier dysfunction and reduces bacterial translocation in SAP.
Main Methods:
- Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced in Sprague Dawley rats using taurocholate injection.
- Rats received melatonin treatment prior to pancreatitis induction.
- Gut barrier integrity was assessed by measuring bacterial translocation (Escherichia coli O157 DNA) and analyzing intestinal microvilli structure.
Main Results:
- Melatonin treatment significantly reduced Escherichia coli DNA levels in the blood compared to the SAP group.
- Villus height and crypt depth in the ileum were significantly preserved in the melatonin-treated group compared to the SAP group.
- No Escherichia coli DNA was detected in the sham operation group.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin administration effectively prevents gut barrier dysfunction in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis.
- Melatonin treatment reduces bacterial translocation, potentially decreasing pancreatic-associated infections and early mortality.
- Melatonin shows promise as a therapeutic agent for managing severe acute pancreatitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management