The Effects of Probiotics, on the Systemic and Intestinal Mucosal Immunity, of Splenectomized Rats

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to determine the second phase changes that may occur after a splenectomy; when probiotics, with proven therapeutic effects of intestinal mucosal immunity and systemic immunity, are utilized. METHODS: Total of 56 female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into eight groups. Low exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus A13 strain, or high EPS producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus B3 strain, was orally applied to the rats pre-operatively or post-operatively. Splenectomy was performed on the 8th day of the study and cardiac blood sampling and small bowel resection were performed on the 16th day. RESULTS: In terms of systemic immunity assay whilst there was no significant difference found between IL-6 and IL-10, a significant difference was detected between the groups in TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-12 and IL-12 / IL-4 statistical comparisons (p <0.05). A13 strain was observed to further increase TGF-β levels after a splenectomy, while further decreasing IL-4 levels. Also, A13 strain application in the splenectomized groups reduced TNF-α levels. TNF-α levels decreased in B3 strain treated groups; TGF-β elevation was found to be higher, and this strain reduced IL-12, IL-4 and IL-10. B3 strain was found to have a more depressing effect on IL-12 and TNF-α, than A13, in splenectomized groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It has been determined that splenectomy leads to immunosuppression; that probiotics –especially the high EPS producing- have an indirect anti-inflammatory effect with cytokine regulation; and that with the cytokine profiles they exhibit, they sytematically support mucosal immunity.

Keywords

• splenectomy
• probiotics
• lactobacillus delbrueckii
• immunity
• immunity mucosal