Effects of immune-mediated enteroluminal neltrophil emigration on intestinal function in pigs.

Intestinal function was assessed in cannulated loops of porcine proximal jejunum during immune-mediated emigration of neutrophils into the intestine. Net water, net sodium, net chloride, undirectional sodium and unidirectional chloride fluxes were measured before and after intestinal exposure to an antigen in both sensitized and nonsensitized pigs. Neutrophil emigration was assessed histologically. The results indicate that fluid and electrolyte movements in the intestine are not significantly altered during immune-mediated enteroluminal neutrophil emigration suggesting that the neutrophil response does not interfere with intestinal function.