Antioxidant enzyme activities and trace element concentrations in ischemia-reperfusion

In this study, we investigated the impact of ischemia-reperfusion on antioxidant enzyme activities and trace element concentrations. For this purpose, ischemia was initiated by clamping superior mesenteric artery of Wistar (albino) rats for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 20 min. Immediately after reperfusion, blood samples were taken and examined for red cell copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities spectrophotometrically and plasma zinc, copper, and magnesium concentrations by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the ischemia-reperfusion group, red cell Cu-Zn-SOD activity and plasma zinc and copper concentrations were increased significantly (p < 0.001) when compared to the control group; however, the increases in GPx activity and plasma magnesium concentration were not significant (p > 0.05). We also found a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in catalase activity. Free radicals released as a consequence of ischemia-reperfusion caused significant alterations in antioxidant enzymes and in the concentrations of trace elements.