Small Intestine mucosal injury and apoptosis following haemorrhage and volume replacement with different intravenous solutions

Abstract

Objective: To characterize mucosal loss (ML) and apoptotic events in the small intestine after haemorrhage and volume replacement with a crystalloid, Lactated Ringers Solution (LR), and a colloid, HES130/0.4 solution, in a pig model.

Methods: %ML and apoptotic events at the epithelium of the villi were evaluated in the small intestine from pigs that underwent total intravenous anaesthesia and passive controlled arterial bleeding, followed by volume replacement using LR (group1, n=9) and HES130/0.4 (group2, n=9). Apoptotic events were investigated by performing immunohistochemistry using Cytochrome c antibody and M30Cytodeath immunofluorescence assay.

Results: %ML was significantly higher in group1 (P< 0.0001). Similar moderate to intense cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was seen in both groups for Cytochrome c antibody. The median percentage of apoptotic cells in the non-detached villi epithelium was 5.94% (1.46-31.47%) in group1 and 6.38% (0.36-47.48%) in group2. No significant differences were observed between groups. Conclusion: Results suggest that HES130/0.4 administration may more efficiently prevent the acute loss of intestinal mucosa, and, therefore, the integrity of the intestinal barrier. However, the indicators of intestinal apoptosis do not differ between HES 130/0.4 or RL administration.