Carrageenan plasma expander: effect on mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat

The effect of carrageenan against ischemia-reperfusion injury was investigated. Rats were grouped into four, subjected to 10 min of ischemia and reperfusion in their mesenteric venules and 30% of their blood volume was replaced with either normal saline solution, dextran 70 in 5% dextrose, or iota-carrageenan solution, while the fourth group remained untreated. Parameters such as venule diameter, red blood cell velocity, leukocyte rolling and adhesion, were then observed by video. Findings reveal that carrageenan infusion has the tendency to attenuate leukocyte rolling and adhesion, increase venule diameter and regain erythrocyte velocity after ischemia. The data suggest that the effects of carrageenan were comparable to that of either of the more commercially used plasma expanders, dextran 70 or normal saline solution. Overall, however, these did not differ significantly from the untreated rats.