Alterations of intestinal motor responsiveness in a model of mild mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion in rats
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Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Murine Model of Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Published on: May 11, 2016
Vigilio Ballabeni1, Elisabetta Barocelli, Simona Bertoni
1Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Biologiche e Chimiche Applicate, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43100 Parma, Italy.
Abstract:
In this study we investigate the changes in intestinal motor responsiveness after mild mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion in anaesthetized rats. Motor responsiveness to pharmacological/electrical stimulation was studied in isolated ileum excised from sham-operated rats or animals which underwent occlusion of superior mesenteric artery (1 h) plus interruption of collateral blood flow and reperfusion for 0, 24, 72 h. Only 24 h reperfusion resulted in a significant suppression in acetylcholine induced contractile response and in indomethacin induced relaxation. In the presence of adrenergic and cholinergic blockade a greater relaxant response to field stimulation (trains 10 s every min, 120 mA, 1 ms and 10 Hz) was unmasked in all groups except 24 h reperfused rats. Such effect was sensitive to N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NOS unselective inhibitor) and the proteolytic enzyme alpha-chymotrypsin but resistant to aminoguanidine (iNOS selective inhibitor). In conclusion, in this rat model, intestinal mild ischemia/24 h reperfusion induces reversible changes in enteric motility attributable to a decrease in eicosanoids, nitric oxide and neuropeptides availability.
Insights
Mild mesenteric ischemia followed by 24-hour reperfusion significantly alters intestinal motor function in rats. This study reveals key changes in motility linked to reduced nitric oxide and eicosanoid availability.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Intestinal motor dysfunction can arise after ischemic events.
- Understanding the mechanisms of post-ischemic gut motility is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in intestinal motor responsiveness following mild mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion.
- To identify the specific time course and molecular mediators involved in these functional changes.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat ileum from sham-operated and ischemia/reperfused groups (0, 24, 72 hours).
- Pharmacological (acetylcholine, indomethacin) and electrical field stimulation were used to assess motor responses.
- Involvement of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and proteolytic enzymes was examined using specific inhibitors.
Main Results:
- A 24-hour reperfusion period significantly suppressed acetylcholine-induced contractions and indomethacin-induced relaxation.
- A nitric oxide-dependent relaxant response to field stimulation was diminished at 24 hours post-reperfusion.
- This diminished response was sensitive to NOS inhibition and alpha-chymotrypsin but not iNOS inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Mild mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion in rats induces reversible changes in enteric motility.
- These motility alterations are associated with decreased availability of eicosanoids, nitric oxide, and neuropeptides.
- The findings highlight the role of nitric oxide pathways in post-ischemic intestinal dysfunction.
