Total antioxidant capacity following extrinsic denervation and small intestinal transplantation in the rat

Transplantation of small intestine in a rat model has been shown to affect expression of neurochemicals within enteric inhibitory nerves. However, the mechanism for altered expression of inhibitory neurochemicals is uncertain. Based on our previous studies, we hypothesized that small intestinal transplantation would result in altered intestinal levels of antioxidant capacity. Glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxide levels were measured at 3 months following (1) transection of rat small intestine, (2) transection and extrinsic denervation of rat intestine, and (3) isotransplantation of rat ileum or (4) allotransplantation of rat ileum with cyclosporine therapy to suppress rejection. Glutathione levels were not significantly different among the four groups. There were trends toward increased lipid peroxide levels following isografting and extrinsic denervation. Total antioxidant capacity was increased following extrinsic denervation (P=0.05). Increased intestinal total antioxidant capacity in response to extrinsic denervation may represent a compensatory mechanism for protection against oxidative stress. This result enhances our understanding of the relationship between tissue antioxidant levels and alteration of enteric nerves.