Mesenteric lymph duct ligation decreases red blood cell alterations caused by acute pancreatitis

Background Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that acute pancreatitis (AP) causes a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) deformability. The mechanisms by which AP induces RBC injury are unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that factors carried in the mesenteric lymph after an attack of AP significantly contribute to the RBC injury observed in AP. Methods RBC deformability was determined by means of laser-assisted ektacytometry in mesenteric lymph duct–ligated and non-ligated rats subjected to AP and in sham-operated animals. Results AP was associated with significant alterations of RBC deformability indices, namely the elongation index and half maximal RBC elongation. Pancreatitis-induced RBC deformability changes were partially prevented by mesenteric lymph duct ligation. Conclusions Mesenteric lymph in AP contains factors that cause RBC damage, which is manifested by decreased deformability. Interruption of the lymph flow from the injured gut into the bloodstream decreases these RBC alterations.