Cytoprotective agents in experimental small bowel volvulus

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 22; no. 3; p. 260
• Main Authors: Goldman, C D, Rudloff, M A, Ternberg, J L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1987
• Subjects: Alprostadil - therapeutic use; Animals; Aspirin - therapeutic use; Ephedrine - therapeutic use; Ibuprofen - therapeutic use; Indomethacin - therapeutic use; Intestinal Obstruction - drug therapy; Intestinal Obstruction - pathology; Intestine, Small; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Superoxide Dismutase - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0022-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-3468(87)80342-1

An accepted experimental model for midgut volvulus was used to produce small bowel strangulation obstruction of 48 hours duration in Sprague-Dawley rats. A 93% perioperative mortality rate resulted after release of the volvulus. Treatment with three cytoprotective agents at the time of volvulus release resulted in the following mortality rates: superoxide dismutase, 89%; ibuprofen, 50%; prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, 11%. The predominant cause of death in all treatment groups was bowel infarction, with a smaller number succumbing to either sepsis or circulatory collapse. Concomitant administration of ephedrine or indomethacin to suppress prostaglandin E1's splanchnic vasodilatory activity did not cause any increase in mortality. A trial of aspirin, to simulate PGE's antiplatelet actions, showed no reduction in mortality when compared with detorsion alone. Prostaglandin E1 and, to a lesser extent, ibuprofen, appear to have cytoprotective effects during reperfusion of bowel compromised by volvulus, independent of their influence on the mesenteric vasculature and thrombogenesis.