Bacterial translocation and reticuloendothelial function after implantation of abdominal drainage in the rat

Bacterial translocation and reticuloendothelial system (RES) function were measured in the rat after intraperitoneal (IP) implantation of rubber drain pieces (7.5 cm²). Six hours after implantation, enteric bacterial translocation was noted to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and portal and caval vein blood. RES function was evaluated in terms of blood clearance and organ uptake of intravenously injected ¹²⁵I-labelled, heat-killed E. coli. A significant elevation of corrected phagocytic index (α) was found 24 hours after IP implantation. Localization of ¹²⁵1-labelled E. coli was significantly enhanced in systemic organs (kidneys, spleen, liver and lungs) 24 hours after IP implantation, whereas it was locally impaired (MLNs and proximal jejunum) 6 hours after IP implantation and thereafter. An inverse correlation between the localization of radiolabelled E. coli in the liver, spleen and lungs and the incidence of bacterial translocation to these organs was found. The results suggest that an association exists between alterations in RES function and bacterial translocation in the early course following IP implantation of rubber drains.