Systemic and local secretions of cytokines and nitric oxide in massive bowel resected rats with or without small bowel segment reversal

Our previous study suggested that small bowel segment reversal stimulates j ejunal hyperplasia, but that the elevated serum interleukin (IL-)6 eliminat es whole-body anabolism in massive bowel resected rats. The aim of this stu dy was to investigate systemic and local secretions of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in relation to whole-body and tissue responses in rats that und erwent massive bowel resection with small bowel segment reversal. Seventy p ercent small bowel resection was performed in Wistar rats with (REV) or wit hout (CON) a 5 cm reversed small bowel segment. Sham operation (SHAM) was p erformed on a third group of rats. Twelve days after surgery the REV group had significantly lower weight gain and greater serum levels of NO, IL-2 an d IL-6 than the CON and SHAM groups, The weights of the livers in the REV a nd CON groups were significantly heavier, but these groups had lower levels of protein, tumour-necrosis factor-alpha, IL-2 and IL-6 than the SHAM grou p. The cecum weights of the REV group were significantly higher with increa sed protein and NO levels, but decreased IL-6 levels compared with the CON and SHAM groups. In the proximal small intestine the REV group had signific antly increased protein levels and mucosal dry weights, but decreased inter feron-gamma and IL-2 compared with the CON and SHAM groups, Our results sug gested that cytokines and NO may have endocrine and paracrine/autocrine act ions in regulating whole-body and tissue responses. (C) 2001 Academic Press .