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Myosin Light Chain Kinase is involved in the increased epithelial permeability, but not bacterial translocation, in intestinal obstruction
Author(s) -
Wu ChiChin,
Lu YenZhen,
Yu Linda C.H.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a762-e
Subject(s) - paracellular transport , myosin light chain kinase , ileum , intestinal permeability , jejunum , medicine , tight junction , cecum , chromosomal translocation , permeability (electromagnetism) , chemistry , biology , gastroenterology , myosin , biochemistry , gene , membrane
Intestinal obstruction is a common cause of abdominal emergencies. Enteric bacterial translocation (BT) has been reported in experimental obstruction models, suggesting disruption of epithelial barrier. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is involved in the contraction of actinomyosin ring and increases paracellular permeability. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MLCK in the mechanism of intestinal obstruction‐induced epithelial barrier defects. METHODS: Wistar rats received MLCK inhibitor ML‐7 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle at 24, 12 and 1 hrs before and 12 hrs after ileal obstruction. Sham‐operated controls received laporatomy only. Obstruction animals underwent ileal ligation 10 cm proximal to the cecal junction. After 24 hrs post‐obstruction, the permeability of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal colon and distal colon was measured by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) flux, and BT was identified in the spleen, liver and blood using fresh blood agar culturing. RESULTS: Ileal obstruction increased the HRP flux in the ileum and proximal colon, whereas no changes were seen in other segments. The bacterial colony forming unit (CFU) counts in the liver, spleen and blood in obstruction animals were significantly higher than those sham‐operated. Pretreatment with ML‐7 completely inhibited the obstruction‐induced increase of HRP flux in the ileum, but not in the proximal colon. Administration of ML‐7 had no effect on the enhanced BT. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal obstruction increased both epithelial permeability and BT. Inhibition of MLCK reversed the increased HRP flux in the ileum, suggesting obstruction‐induced increase of epithelial paracellular permeability. Bacterial translocation induced by ileal obstruction is MLCK‐independent.