[Dynamic observation of pathological changes and expression of nuclear factor-kappaB in the intestinal mucosa of rats after diffuse brain injury].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dynamic pathological changes in the intestinal mucosa of rats and the role of activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the alteration in intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction after diffuse brain injury.

METHODS

The animal model established by Marmarou was used to produce diffuse brain injury. One hundred and fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups in terms of postinjury time: 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 168 hours after injury, and control group. Mucosal thickness, villous height and width were estimated under light microscope, and expression of NF-kappaB was assessed with immunohistochemical staining in control group to compare with those in injury groups.

RESULTS

Mucosal thickness, villous height and width were diminished and the optical density of expression of NF-kappaB was much higher in the injury groups than those of control group.

CONCLUSION

The structure of intestinal mucosa is damaged in the earlier stages after diffuse brain injury. NF-kappaB is activated by cellular stress, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of secondary intestinal lesion.