The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of bacterial translocation following intestinal occlusion in rats and to verify the importance of a immune-enhancing diet in reducing the rate of bacterial translocation in these animals. Twenty-four adult, male Wistar rats were used, weighing 180 to 240g, divided into three groups of eight rats each. Group C (Control) received a rat chow group 1 (Immunmodulation) a immune-enhancing diet and group D ( Malnutrition) received the half of the same rat chow as group C. After seven days all rats were subjected to intestinal occlusion by ligation of the terminal ileum. After 18 hours, under strictly aseptic technique the abdomen was opened and 6 ml of blood was withdrawn from the inferior vena cava for the determination of the blood glucose, albumin and leukocyte count. The spleen, liver and mesenteric lymph node were removed separately to microbiologic study and a segment of the proximal jejunum for histologic study. Caloric intake was similar in groups C and I and half in group D. Blood glucose levels were lower in group D. The microbiologic culture of the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver were positive in all animals of group D, in 58.3% of group I and in 66.6% of the rats of the group C. Histological changes were minimal when the three groups were compared. It is concluded that bacterial translocation occurs in rats subjected to intestinal occlusion and that nutritional support with an immune-enhancing diet is able to reduce the rate of bacterial translocation in rats with intestinal occlusion.
Enteral feeding; lmmune nutrition; Bacterial translocation