OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Qingyi II Recipe (QR) on the intestinal barrier function (IBF) of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats.

METHODSForty-eight SD rats were selected to prepare SAP model. After modeling, they were randomly divided into the model group and the QR treatment group, 24 in each group. Another 8 rats were selected as the sham-operation group. The intervention was started just when they came to resuscitation from anesthesia. Rats in the QR treatment group was administered with QR (1 mL/100 g) by gastrogavage, while an equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the sham-operation group and the model group by gastrogavage. The gastrogavage was performed once every 6 h. Eight rats were selected from each group 6, 12, and 24 h after intervention. The ascites amount was measured after opening abdomens. The concentrations of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate were measured. Pathological changes of pancreas and ileum were observed. The pathological scoring of the pancreas was performed. The ileum were scanned by electron microscope.

RESULTSThere was no ascites in the sham-operation group. There was no obviously pathological abnormality in the pancreas or ileum. Compared with the sham-operation group, the ascites amount, serum DAO, D-lactate, and pathological scoring all increased at 6 h in the model group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05). In the model group, the serum DAO, D-lactate, and pathological scoring increased gradually at 6 -24 h with statistical difference (P<0.05). Results under microscope showed disarranged structure, interstitial edema, hemorrhage, a large amount of neutrophil infiltration, local foci or lamellar intestinal necrosis. The 24-h ascites amount increased more at 24 h than at 12 h in the model group with statistical difference (P<0.05). The serum D-lactate and patho- logical scoring increased gradually at 6 -24 h in the QR treatment group with statistical difference (P<0.05). The 24-h ascites amount and DAO increased more at 24 h than at 12 h in the model group with statistical difference (P<0.05). Compared with the model group at the same time point, each index decreased at 6 -24 h in the QR treatment group with statistical difference (P<0.05). Results under microscope showed edema and congestion of the intestinal mucosa tissue, little amount of neutrophil infiltration. But the degrees were milder when compared with those of the model group.

CONCLUSIONQR protected IBF of SAP rats.