BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that a neotype rectal cooling device can induce mild hypothermia (MH) in Sprague-Dawley rats with ischemic-hypoxic brain damage (HIBD) and inhibit cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CAl region, and does not cause damage to rectal tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of rectal MH on bacterial translocation (BT) in Sprague-Dawley rats with HIBD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group (group C), a normothermia group (group NT), a cooling blanket group (group CB), and a rectal cooling group (group RC). Rats in group CB and group RC received MH using a cooling blanket and rectal cooling device after HIBD model establishment. Then, we measured diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate level separately in groups NT, CB, and RC. Finally, the spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected for bacterial culture, and rectal tissues were collected for H&E staining.

RESULTS: The therapeutic outcome was better in Sprague-Dawley rats receiving rectal MH without rectal injury compared to rats in group CB. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was found in MLNs in group RC. E. coli, Proteus vulgaris, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Acinetobacter lwoffii were detected in the rats of groups CB and NT. At 12 h following rectal MH, DAO and D-lactate levels were lower than in group NT.

CONCLUSIONS: The neotype rectal MH cooling method could be a potential strategy to induce rapid, controllable hypothermia, thus reducing the possibility of inflammatory cell infiltration and BT incidence.

Keywords: Administration, Rectal, Hypothermia, Induced, Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain, Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing), Bacteria, Bacterial Translocation, Intestines, Lactic Acid, Rectum