Effect of lactobacillus on the gut microflora and barrier function of the rats with abdominal infection

AIM: To investigate the effect of probiotics supplemented by gut on the tight junctions of epithelial cells, barrier function and the microflora of rats with abdominal infection. METHODS: After the model of cecal ligation and perforation established, SD rats were divided into two groups: parenteral nutrition (PN) group and PN+probiotics (probiotics) group, PN solution was supplemented by neck vein and probiotics was delivered via the jejunostomy tube for five days. Vena cava blood and the homogenated tissue of liver, lung and mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured to determine the bacterial translocation rate (BTR). The ultrastructure of epithelial tight junctions and microvilli of the gut were observed by electron microscopy; occluding expression was measured by indirect-immune fluorescence method; anaerobic bacterial growth by anaerobic culture and DNA fingerprint of bacterial colonies of the feces by PCR. RESULTS: The quantity of lactobacteria and bifydobacteria in probiotics group was higher than that of PN group. The profiles of DNA fingerprint expression in probiotics group were similar to that in the normal group, a new 16S rDNA sequence appeared in the profile in PN group. The occludin expression, the integrality of the gut epithelial tight junction and microvilli in probiotics group were improved as compared with PN group. The BTR and endotoxin in blood were reduced more significantly in probiotics group as compared with PN group. CONCLUSION: The probiotics could improve the gut microflora disturbance, increase occludin expression, maintain the gut epithelial tight junction and decrease the bacterial translocations rate. (C) 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.