Abstract

Aim: Investigation of the protective effect of oral immunglobulin(Ig) A on rat intestinum in experimental necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) model.

Materials and methods: 40 newborn rats were divided into 4 groups each containing 10 rats. While control (C) group was fed by breast, the rats in necrotisinge enterocolitis (N), sham (S), and treatment (T) groups were settled into incubators at 36°C and 60 % humidity and fed, but not by breast. The rats in C group were fed by breast. The rats in N group were fed with Formula as soon as they were born. The rats in T group were fed with Formula and 600 mg/kg/day oral Ig A with 4-hour intervals. The rats in S group were fed with Formula and 0.1 ml/kg/day distilled water which is solvent of Ig. The rats in all groups were weighed and sacrified on fourth day. 2 cm intestinal segment from proximal of ileocaecal valve was used for histopathologic examination, another 10 cm intestinal segment for biochemical examination. After laparotomy, H&E was used for histopathological examination and apoptosis repressor with card Ab-1 citt for immunohistochemical examination. Biochemical parameters such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-a, and IL-6 were evaluated.

Results: The rate of mortality in N and S groups was significantly higher than T and C groups (P< 0.05). Significant weight increase was identified in C group (P<0.05) There was significant decrease in T group in comparison of histopathologic values and apoptosis according to N and S groups (P< 0.05). T group was significantly different in comparison of IL-6, TNF-a, and MPO according to S and N groups (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference between T and C groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Pure IgA given orally was identified to decrease intestinal damage and to prevent NEC in experimental NEC model.