Enterocyte Nutrient Transport Is Preserved in a Rabbit Model of Acute Intestinal Ischemia

BACKGROUND: The use of enteral nutrition in patients with nonocclusive splanchnic hypoperfusion is controversial. This study aims to quantitate enterocyte nutrient transport and correlate function with morphology during intestinal ischemia. METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to control (celiotomy only) 60-minute infrarenal aortic clamp (IRC) or 60-minute supraceliac aortic clamp (SCC). Small intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) were prepared by magnesium precipitation and serial differential centrifugation. Sodium-dependent uptake of glucose, glutamine, alanine, leucine, and arginine into BBMVs was quantitated by rapid mixing and filtration. Histologic examination of the intestine was performed by a pathologist blinded to groups. Data are reported as mean values+/-SEM, with significance determined by analysis of variance at p < .05. RESULTS: Villus heights in the IRC and SCC groups were 20% and 48% less than control, respectively. SCC histology was characterized by extensive epithelial denudation and necrosis, whereas IRC had mild focal villus edema only. Sodium-dependent glucose and leucine transport each exhibited nonsignificant increases of 20% to 25% in the IRC group and 30% to 55% in the SCC group. No changes were noted in sodium-dependent glutamine, alanine, and arginine uptake or sodium-independent transport. CONCLUSIONS: Enteral nutrient transport does not correlate with mucosal architecture, is maintained during splanchnic hypoperfusion states, and likely occurs via intact crypt cells.