Nitric oxide induction in a rat model of selective pancreatic ischemia and reperfusion.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Ischemia and reperfusion of the pancreas may be important in aggravating the course of acute pancreatitis. In a rat model of selective pancreatic ischemia and reperfusion, we studied plasma levels of nitric oxide and expression of nitric oxide synthase in the pancrease and lung.

METHODOLOGY:

Pancreatic ischemia was achieved by occlusion of the 4 main pancreatic arteries for 40 min; this was followed by a 7-hour reperfusion period (group A, 10 rats). Outcome measures were compared with those of animals undergoing a sham operation (group B, 10 rats).

RESULTS:

Pancreatic damage in group A animals was demonstrated by increased serum alpha-amylase and by macroscopic and microscopic evidence. Total nitric oxide synthase activity in pancrease and lung was higher than in shams [median: 0.73 vs. 0.54 pmol/mg protein/min in the pancreas (P = 0.0082); 1.38 vs. 0.68 pmol/mg protein/min in the lung (P = 0.023)]; this was mainly due to activation of the inducible isoform of the enzyme. There was an associated 58.2% increase in plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites [from mean 55.0 to 131.6 mumol/L (P < 0.001)]. Immunohistochemistry confirmed expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide-mediated oxidative damage (nitrotyrosine) in both pancreas and lung.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ischemia and reperfusion of the pancreas induces pancreatic damage, overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and oxidative damage within the pancreas and lung.

• Authors: G Viola, R A al-Mufti, M Sohail, R C Williamson, R T Mathie
• Journal: Hepato-gastroenterology (Hepatogastroenterology) 2000 Sep-Oct Vol. 47 Issue 35 Pg. 1250-5 ISSN: 0172-6390 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 11100325 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Nitric Oxide
• Nitric Oxide Synthase
• Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
• Nos2 protein, rat
• alpha-Amylases

Topics

• Animals
• Disease Models, Animal
• Immunohistochemistry
• Lung (enzymology)
• Male
• Nitric Oxide (blood)
• Nitric Oxide Synthase (metabolism)
• Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
• Pancreas (blood supply, enzymology)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Reperfusion Injury (metabolism)
• alpha-Amylases (blood)