Intestinal permeability in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension.

AIM: To investigate the intestinal barrier changes in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension.

METHODS

The permeability of intestinal barrier detected by Lanthanum as a tracer was evaluated in rats. Bacterial translocation and plasma endotoxin were also determined.

RESULTS

The incidence of bacterial translocation was 85% in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension, which was significantly higher than that in control rats (20%, P<0.01). Plasma endotoxin level was significantly higher in experimental group than in control group. Permeability of the epithelial mucosa and pathological alteration were increased in the ileum and the microvilli became shorter and thinner in rats with portal hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Bacterial translocation occurs in rats with CCl4-induced portal hypertension and increased permeability between epithelial cells contributes to the translocation.