Impact of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide on proliferative and inflammatory changes in jejunal mucosa after acute mesenteric ischemia

PurposeThe aim of our study was to determinate the impact of dipeptide (alanyl-glutamine) administration on inflammatory and proliferative changes in jejunal mucosa after acute mesenteric ischemia.MethodsMale Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups: ischemia/reperfusion (IR) group which undergoes 60 min of mesenteric ischemia and 1 or 24 h of reperfusion (IR1, IR24, n = 12). Groups with dipeptide administration (D + IR1, D + IR24, Dipeptiven con inf., i.v., 0.75 g/kg) prior to IR injury were followed by 1 and 24 h of reperfusion. At the end of reperfusion period jejunal bioptic samples were obtained for histological (H&E), histochemical (Alcian blue) and immunohistochemical (anti-PCNA, anti-MPO) evaluations.ResultsOur results pointed out a significant (p < 0.001) increase of histopathological injury score in IR1 group compared to D + IR1 group. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed that MPO-positivity was significantly increased in IR groups after 1 (p < 0.001) as well as 24 h of reperfusion (p < 0.01) compared to dipeptide pretreated groups. Proliferative/reparatory rate was assessed using anti-PCNA antibody and showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in PCNA cell positivity in lamina propria in dipeptide treated group compared to IR group.ConclusionIn conclusion we may suggest that administration of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide prior to IR injury may help to protect small intestine and its mucous membrane integrity against insult such as intestinal ischemic/reperfusion injury presents.