The effects of interleukin-18 on M cells of intestinal mucosa in murine acute pancreatitis

Objective To investigate the effects of interleukin-18 ( IL-18 ) on M cells of intestinal mucosa in acute pancreatitis (AP) in rats. Methods Seventy SD rats were divided into seven groups: AP 6 hour group, 12 hour group, 24 hour group, IL-18 6 hour group, 12 hour group, 24 hour group, and control group at random. The models of AP were established. Serum, pancreatic tissue, and ileal mucosa were harvested. Serum amylase, glutamate pyruvate transaminse, total bilirubin, endotoxin, IL-27, and TNF-α were detected. Pathologic changes of pancreatic tissue and ileal mucosa were observed. The protein with reverse transcription-polymease chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The level of serum TNF-α increased obviously in IL-18 6 hour group, 12 hour group, and AP group. The level of serum IL-27 increased in IL-18 6 hour group and AP group and back to normal in IL-18 24 hour group. The in IL-18 group than AP group (P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions IL-18 may affect M cells function and play important roles in intestinal barrier in acute pancreatitis. Key words: Panereatitis;  Intestinal mucosa;  Interleukin-18;  M cell