An experimental study on the pathogenesis of acute haemorrhagic enteropathy--significance of congestion and endotoxaemia.

To clarify the pathogenesis of acute haemorrhagic enteropathy, the present study was undertaken using the ileum of rats. The ligation of marginal veins of the ileum or the injection of endotoxin to the intact rats induced only slight mucosal haemorrhage. On the other hand, the injection of endotoxin into rats with ligation of the marginal veins led to severe mucosal haemorrhage. The severe mucosal haemorrhage was markedly inhibited by suppression of the production of bradykinin. These experimental results suggest that some cases of acute haemorrhagic enteropathy may be induced by the co-existence of endotoxaemia and congestion of the intestine. Thus, the mechanism of severe mucosal haemorrhage may be as follows: bradykinin, induced by endotoxin, acts to dilate capillaries and small veins in the mucosa and markedly increases their permeability.