The Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Mediated Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Glycocalyx on Acute Lung Injury Associated With Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock/Resuscitation

BackgroundAcute lung injury (ALI) is a common complication after THS/R, and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could alleviate lung injury by activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) during traumatic hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (THS/R). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of VNS on intestinal epithelial glycocalyx and acute lung injury associated with THS/R.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were subjected to traumatic hemorrhagic shock/ resuscitation to induce ALI. The measurements of intestinal barrier permeability, intestinal epithelial glycocalyx, and the level of inflammation factors and histology of lung and gut tissue were made in each group.ResultsThe level of TNF-α，IL-6 and MPO in lung and gut tissue were significantly decreased in the VNS-treated group. In addition, the shedding of intestinal epithelial glycocalyx and increased gut barrier permeability were alleviated in the VNS-treated group, and the gut tissue and lung tissue injury were mitigated in the VNS-treated group. However, pretreated with methyllycaconitine could reverse the protective effect of VNS.ConclusionsVNS could relieve lung injury associated with THS/R by alleviating the damage of intestinal epithelial glycocalyx, which might be achieved by activating CAP.