Effects of continuous naloxone infusion in intestinal ischemia shock in the rat

The effects of continuous naloxone infusion on the response to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion were studied in a rat model. Naloxone was given as a bolus injection (2 mg/kg bw) followed by a continuous infusion (4 mg/kg bw/h) starting before (-10 min) intestinal ischemia was applied (0-60 min) and continuing 2 h after reperfusion of the intestine. Blood pressure, acidosis and survival were determined. Saline-infused shocked rats and untreated shocked rats served as comparisons and non-shocked animals as controls. Blood pressure was slightly higher before and during the continuous naloxone infusion but did not differ after reperfusion in the three shock groups. Acidosis was less pronounced in naloxone compared to untreated shocked rats. Survival rates were significantly higher in naloxone-treated shocked rats compared to untreated shock and significantly lower in saline treated shocked rats compared to non-shocked controls. In conclusion a naloxone effect on acidosis and survival in shock after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion is possible.