Effects of platelet activating factor antagonist (BN50739) on gut mucosal injury in acute severe pancreatitis in pigs

Objective To study the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosal injury and endotoxin/bacterial translocation in acute severe pancreatitis (ASP) in pigs. Methods ASP was induced by intraductal injection of a mixture of sodium taurocholate and trypsin. BN50739, a specific antagonist of PAF, was given 30 min prior to the induction of ASP. Mucosal blood flow, mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Intestinal injury was observed microscopically. Portal blood endotoxin levels and the bacterial counts in the portal blood, intestinal lymph nodes and the pancreas were determined.Results Prior antagonism of PAF by BN50739 reduced intestinal injury, increased intestinal mucosal blood flow, and reduced blood levels of endotoxin and bacterial counts in the portal blood, mesenteric lymph nodes and pancreas. Conclusions Intestinal mucosal injury developed in ASP. PAF is responsible for the injury. Antagonism of PAF by BN50739 can improve intestinal microcirculation and reduce the severity of intestinal mucosal injury, which may decrease endotoxin/bacterial translocation.