[Effects of intraluminal pressure increase on oxygen consumption of the rabbit ileum and its possible pharmacological...

Elevated intraluminal pressure of rabbit small bowel induces a decrease of tissue pO2 of the bowel wall dependent on the applied pressure. After decompression local pO2 exceeds the initial pO2 values. While the i.v. application of 25 microgram/kg glucagon is not able to improve local oxygen supply of the distended bowel, local pO2 increases considerably after infusion of 7.5 ml/kg dextran 40. Decompression by operation or intestinal tube as well as application of dextran 40 are recommended in the treatment of ileus.