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Unlabelled: The immunomodulator effect of Bioflora probiotic on T (CD4+) and B (CD20) lymphocytes in gastrointestinal mucosa and intestinal bacterial translocation was studied using Wistar rats (n = 10 per group). Two experiments were used: (I) stress with immobilization and water immersion at 22 degrees C for 7 h plus the application of indomethacin (Indo) 10 mg/kg SC every 24 h for 3 days (comparator group), and (II) stress experiment I with the addition of 1 mL of Bioflora applied through a orogastric tube every 12 h for 3 days. At the 4th day, in asepsis, a dissection laparotomy of liver, spleen, mesenteric lymphatic nodes, and cecum was performed for microbiological culture, and stomach, ileum, and colon were also dissected for immunohistochemical and quantification of CD4+ and CD20. Findings in experiment I revealed cecum bacterial overdevelopment of 6 x 10(10) +/- 2.3 x 10(9) colony-forming units (CFU) (P < 0.01) and positive cultures in liver, spleen, and all mesenteric lymphatic nodes. On the other hand, in the group treated with Probiotic Bioflora, cecum without overdevelopment (3 x 10(6) +/- 1.3 x 10(5) CFU), negative cultures in liver and spleen, and in lymphatic nodes two positive and eight negative cultures for E. coli and P. vulgaris (P < 0.01) were observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed a relevant increase of T lymphocytes (CD4+) in ileum and colon., Conclusions: Bioflora probiotic was shown to be an intestinal immunomodulator that induced increased T (CD4+) lymphocytes that also offer prophylaxis of intestinal bacterial translocation in a stressed rat model.

The anti-inflammatory effect of Bioflora probiotic administered orally or subcutaneously with viable or nonviable bacteria was analyzed in two experimental models of randomly selected female Wistar rats. The use of indomethacin at a dose of 50 mg/kg was associated with gastric necrotic lesions and multiple erosions of the small intestine, with marked mucosal neutrophil infiltrate measured by myeloperoxidase (MPO). Probiotics prevented both gastrointestinal lesions and neutrophil infiltrate (p < 0.001). In the model of carrageenin-induced plantar edema in the rat, the oral or subcutaneous administration of Bioflora with live or dead bacteria proved to prevent plantar edema (p < 0.001). We concluded that Bioflora probiotic given orally or subcutaneously with live or dead bacteria has an anti-inflammatory effect.