Transient alteration in intestinal permeability to technetium Tc99m diethylenetriaminopentaacetate during the prodromal stages of alimentary laminitis in ponies - PubMed (original) (raw)

Objectives: To determine whether mucosal permeability is altered during the prodromal stages of alimentary laminitis.

Animals: 15 healthy adult ponies.

Procedures: intestinal permeability was evaluated for control ponies (n = 5) and for ponies 4 to 12 (n = 5) and 20 to 28 (n = 5) hours after administration of carbohydrate overload. Mucosal permeability was determined by measuring the percentage of orally administered technetium Tc99m diethylenetriaminopentaacetate (99mTc-DTPA) excreted in urine during an 8-hour period, then measuring blood radioactivity at hourly intervals. Plasma endotoxin-like activity was measured by use of a chromogenic Limulus amebocyte assay.

Results: Urinary excretion of 99mTc-DTPA was 2.45% of administered dose for control ponies, and was 16.67% of administered dose 4 to 12 hours and 3.57% of administered dose 20 to 28 hours after administration of carbohydrate.

Conclusions: A marked but transient increase in intestinal permeability was observed early in the prodromal stages of alimentary laminitis.

Clinical relevance: Absorption of substances from the intestine may be an initiating event in alimentary laminitis.