Serum Nitric Oxide Levels in Experimental Intestinal Ischemia

Authors: Ahmet A. BALIK, S. Selçuk ATAMANALP, Mahmut BAŞOĞLU, M. İlhan YILDIRGAN, Cemal GÜNDOĞDU, Ahmet KIZILTUNÇ

Abstract: Serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were investigated as a marker of acute intestinal ischemia in an experimental model. Forty rabbits were divided into five groups: Sham laparotomy group (control) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) ligation groups for 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. We found statistically significant elevations in serum NO levels in SMA ligation groups when compared to controls (p<0.0005). The elevations in serum NO levels were highest in 30-minuteiscihemia group. As a resuits we concluded that serum NO levels may be helpful in diagnosis of intestinal ischemia in early period.

Keywords: Intestinal ischemia, nitric oxide