Effects of antioxidative agents on apoptosis induced by ischaemia-reperfusion in rat intestinal mucosa

We have previously demonstrated that ischaemia-reperfusion induces apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate that reactive oxygen species enhanced intestinal apoptosis after ischaemia-reperfusion, we examined whether antioxidants reduced apoptosis.

Rats were infused through a duodenal tube with antioxidative agents, glutathione, rebamipide and dymethylsulfoxide during 2 h before an ischaemic insult. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion. Apoptosis was evaluated by percentage fragmented DNA (fragmented DNA/total DNA) and immunochemical staining.

Increase in apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa after ischaemia-reperfusion was attenuated by intraduodenal infusion of antioxidative agents, but was not completely abolished.

Scavenging effects of the antioxidative agents attenuated increases in intestinal apoptosis, indicating that oxidative stress after ischaemia-reperfusion plays an important role in induction of apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa.