Vasoactive intestinal peptide promotes gut barrier function against severe acute pancreatitis

To explore the influence of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the gut barrier function in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Fifty four SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operated (SO) group, SAP group and VIP intervention group. Each group was further divided into three time points: 1, 6 and 12 h after operation with 6 rats for each treatment point. SAP models were induced by retrograde injection of 4% sodium taurocholate into the bili-pancreatic duct. VIP intervention group was made by 5 nmol VIP intraperitoneal injection within 5 min after SAP model successfully obtained. The VIP in plasma and intestinal homogenate were detected with ELISA. The endotoxin in plasma of all groups was also tested. The expression levels of TLR4, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in gut mucosa were measured by RT-PCR. Meanwhile intestinal samples were harvested for pathological examination. Compared to SO group, the VIP in plasma and intestinal homogenate of SAP group were significantly decreased at 1 h after induction, and then gradually increased to beyond the level of SO group at 12 h. The endotoxin of SAP group was continually increased. The mRNA levels of TLR4, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were also increased with obvious pathological injuries in the intestine. In the VIP group, endotoxin in plasma was obviously decreased compared to SAP group. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 mRNA were suppressed while IL-10mRNA was increased. The intestinal pathological injuries were also markedly alleviated. These results suggested that VIP had protective effects on SAP gut barrier function through inhibiting intestinal mucosal inflammatory responses.