Prophylaxis with Ketotifen in Rats with Portal Hypertension: Involvement of Mast Cell and Eicosanoids

摘要

We first studied mast cell infiltration in the ileum and in the mesenteric lymph nodes and serum levels of rat mast cell protease II (RMCP-11) by ELISA. In a second set of experiments Ketotifen, a mast cell stabilizer drug, was administered 24 hours before intervention and prostanoids and leukotrienes were assayed by RIA. Results: 48 hours after intervention RMCP-II (p<0,005), PGE 2 (p<0 001) and LTC 4 serum levels decreased and mast cell number and RMCP-II levels increased in mesenteric lymph nodes in portal hypertensive-rats Prophylactic administration of Ketotifen reduced portal pressure (p<0,001), serum levels of PGE 2 (p<0,001) and RMCP-II (p<0,001) in mesentenc lymph nodes. Conclusion: In acute portal hypertension in rat, mast cell trans-location from intestinal mucosa to mesenteric lymph nodes would represent a defence mechanisms to avoid activation of an acute and massive inflammatory response.