【Abstract】ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on intestinal mucosa permeability in rats with liver cirrhosis. MethodsFifty rats were randomly divided into following groups: control group (n=5), cirrhosis group(n=5) and pneumoperitoneum group (n=40); the pneumoperitoneum group was further divided into 8 mm Hg group(n=20) and 13 mm Hg group (n=20). Four time points were chosen, including 0.5, 2, 6, and 12 hours after the end of pneumoperitoneum. After rat models with cirrhosis were established successfully, the abdominal cavity was insufflated with CO2 and maintained under the pressures of 8 mm Hg and 13 mm Hg respectively for two hours. The portal venous blood was collected and the levels of Dlactic acid and endotoxin were measured. ResultsThe levels of endotoxin and Dlactic acid in cirrhosis group were much higher than those of control group(P<0.05). The levels of serum endotoxin and Dlactic acid in pneumoperitoneum group were higher than those of cirrhosis group(Plt;0.05) regardless of pressure and time point. The endotoxin level in 13 mm Hg group was higher than that of 8 mm Hg group on different time points (F=5.466, P<0.05), but there was no difference in Dlactic acid level between both of them(F=0.415,Pgt;0.05).ConclusionThe intestinal mucosa permeability is increased in rats with liver cirrhosis. It can be further increased under CO2 pneumoperitoneum with certain pressure and time and in a pressuredependent manner. The permeability can decrease after removal of pneumoperitoneum.