The effects of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor on small bowel ischemia-reperfusion injury

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a selective COX-2 inhibitor, FK3311, on warm ischemia-reperfusion injury of the canine small intestine.

Ten adult mongrel dogs were used. FK (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously 15 minutes prior to ischemia and 15 minutes prior to reperfusion in the FK group (n = 5), and only an inert vehicle was injected in the control group (n = 5). The superior mesenteric artery and vein were clamped closed for 2 hours and then unclamped for 12 hours of reperfusion. Arterial and intramucosal pH were measured, and samples were taken for histological examination at 1, 3, 6, and 12 hours after the start of reperfusion. Serum thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (stable metabolites of TxA2 and PGI2) were measured 30 minutes after reperfusion began.

Arterial and intramucosal pH changes were significantly (p < 0.05) smaller in the FK group than in the control group. Histological ischemia-reperfusion injury was significantly (p < 0.05) more severe in the control group than in the FK group. Serum thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the FK group compared to the control group.

FK protects the small bowel from ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppression of prostanoid production.