Early enteral nutrition improves intestinal immune barrier in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of early enteral nutrition (EEN) in the intestinal immune barrier in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and to explore its potential mechanisms. Methods Sixty rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham‐operated group (SO group, n = 20), SAP group receiving EEN (SAP + EEN group, n = 20), and SAP group receiving total parental nutrition (SAP + TPN group, n = 20). SAP was induced by infusion of sodium taurocholate. Rats were killed 5 days after nutritional support. The pathological damage of the intestine was determined using HE staining. The expression of MAdCAM‐1, CD4+, and CD8+ in Peyer's lymph nodes of the distal ilium was examined by immunohistochemistry. Serum levels of endotoxin and bacterial translocation were determined. Results The survival rate in the SAP + TPN (50%) and SAP + EEN (75%) groups was significantly lower than in the SO group (100%) (P