Abstract:

[Abstract] Objective??? To explore the damage of intestinal mucosal barrier caused by vinegar retention enema, and
compare the degree of injury in intestinal mucosal barrier between isotonic vinegar and traditional hypertonic vinegar treatment.? Methods?? ?Sixteen adult rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. The solution of vinegar mixed with normal sodium was given to hypertonic group. Isotonic group was administered with isosmotic solution made of vinegar and double distilled water, with the same volume fraction and pH as hypertonic group. Then two different osmosis solutions were given as enema solution to rabbits under the same condition. Finally, damages of intestinal mucosa were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM) in two groups.?? Results?? It was observed that injuries of rectum and distal part of colon were more severe in hypertonic group than those of isotonic group through light microscope. Besides, cell structures were morphologically normal, with in-line microvilli and intact tight junction in isotonic group. In hypertonic group, microvilli of intestinal cells decreased or disappeared, the cell junction is widened, and cell apoptosis and necrosis were found through TEM.? ?Conclusion??? Results showed that isotonic vinegar had less damage to mucosa. Consequently, isotonic vinegar can be considered as enema solution for hepatic encephalopathy to avoid damage by osmosis in clini

Key words: acetic acid, isotonic solution, hypertonic solution, enema, hepatic encephalopathy, intestinal mucosal barrier