Protective effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody on experimental necrotizing enterocolitis in the rat

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and devastating disorder of premature infants. Elevated proinflammatory cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NEC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of TNF-α on the inflammatory response in NEC by immunoneutralizing TNF-α with a selective antibody.

Methods

Neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in 3 groups: group 1 (n = 20), a NEC-like enterocolitis was induced by formula feeding, asphyxia, and cold exposure; group 2 (n = 9), animals were treated like in group 1 and additionally received TNF-α antibody intraperitoneally; and group 3 (n = 17), animals were dam-fed (controls). Animals were killed in case of imminent death or after 96 hours. Specimens from small bowel were processed for blinded histologic (H&E) and immunhistologic (myeloperoxidase [MPO]) analysis.

Results

In group 1, animals developed severe NEC (mean NEC score, 3.28 ± 0.32; mean MPO, 65.85 ± 9.46). In group 2, animals developed mild NEC (mean NEC score, 1.72 ± 0.41; mean MPO, 34.33 ± 9.69; P < .05). In group 3, no NEC was induced (mean NEC score, 0.0 ± 0; mean MPO, 6 ± 1.32; P < .05).

Conclusion

Tumor necrosis factor α antibody may have an attenuating effect on experimental NEC in rats.