Transmucosal potential difference in experimental colitis in rats

Colon transmucosal potential difference (TPD), macro- and microscopic lesions, myeloperoxidase activity, and leukotriene levels were studied after the induction of experimental colitis in the rat. Forty-three male Wistar rats were subjected to the instillation of 200 mg/ml 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNB) solution through a rectal cannula. TPD measurements were made at different distances from the anus before and 24 h and one, two, three, and four weeks after lesion induction. Leukotriene B4 levels were assayed by intracolonic dialysis 24 h and one, two, three and four weeks after lesion induction. Macro- and microscopic evaluations were made of the bowel lesions, and myeloperoxidase activity was assayed. The mean basal TPD was -46.06 mV at 1 cm from the anus, and +10.86 mV in the proximal colon. Twenty-four hours after lesion induction the values proved markedly positive. This was correlated with an abrupt increase in LTB4 levels and myeloperoxidase activity. After one week the TPD values exhibited a greater electronegativity, returning to basal values by the fourth week after lesion induction. This coincided with an improved macroscopic lesion index, LTB4 levels, and myeloperoxidase activity. In conclusion, TPD is a useful indicator of acute colonic lesions and correlates well with LTB4 and myeloperoxidase assays. Moreover, the parameter is able to delimit lesion evolution, reflecting possible ad integrum restoration of the bowel mucosa.