Expression Of Toll-Like Receptor 2 And 4 In Intestinal Mucosa In Experimental Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Background/Aims: In severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), endotoxin/bacterial translocation (E/BT) from the gut is main cause of infection, which is contributor to high mortality. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize micro-organisms and are involved in the host defense. This study aimed to investigate the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in intestinal mucosa in SAP.Methodology: SAP was induced by injection of 3% sodium deoxycholate into the biliopancreatic duct in rats. Terminal ileum was removed 2, 6, 12, and 18 hours after the induction. Expression of TLR2/4 was analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. NF-kappa B activation was assessed by enzyme immunoassay. E/BT was also evaluated.Results: TLR2/4 proteins were increased 2 and 6 hours, and were decreased 12 and 18 hours after the induction. Immunoreactivities for them were detected at the top of villi and crypt in control rats. They were increased 6 hours, and were diminished 12 hours after the induction. Activated NF-kappa B was increased 6 hours, and was decreased 18 hours after the induction. E/BT occurred 18 hours after the induction.Conclusions: Intestinal immune response enhances in the early phase and suppresses in the late phase of SAP, and TLRs may be implicated in the mechanism of E/BT.