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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Rodent Model of Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Occlusion of the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Published on: October 20, 2023
Gut and vessel alterations induced by mesenteric ischaemia/reperfusion in rats
V Nosál'ová1, R Sotníková, D Mihalová
1Institute of Experimental Pharmacology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. exfanosv@savba.sk
Abstract:
A rat model of transient occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery was used to study the intestinal and vascular injury induced by ischaemia/ reperfusion (I/R). A pronounced intestinal injury was observed, ranging from hyperaemia to severe haemorrhagic necrosis and bleeding. The length of the damaged intestinal segments reached 58.6% of the small intestine with a decrease of the wet weight in the I/R group. Sham operation resulted in 100% survival, I/R decreased survival to 40% after 24 h. Following I/R a significant increase of vascular permeability was observed in the small intestine. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity decreased aborally in sham operated rats and I/R reduced it further in all parts of the small intestine. I/R resulted in damaged endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric artery rings. This was manifested by decreased maximal responses of arterial preparations to acetylcholine as well as decreased pD2 values. The results confirmed and specified the presumed effect of I/R on the small intestine and on vascular functions.
Insights
Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes severe intestinal injury and vascular damage in rats, significantly reducing survival rates. This study details the extent of damage and its impact on vascular function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Biology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a significant clinical concern, particularly in abdominal surgery and critical care.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms of I/R-induced damage to the intestine and its vasculature is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of intestinal and vascular injury following transient superior mesenteric artery occlusion in a rat model.
- To characterize the functional consequences of I/R on mesenteric artery reactivity and intestinal tissue integrity.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of transient superior mesenteric artery occlusion was employed to induce I/R injury.
- Assessment of intestinal injury included macroscopic evaluation (necrosis, bleeding), wet weight measurement, and assessment of vascular permeability.
- Vascular function was evaluated using mesenteric artery rings, measuring endothelium-dependent relaxation responses to acetylcholine.
Main Results:
- I/R induced significant intestinal injury, including haemorrhagic necrosis and bleeding, affecting up to 58.6% of the small intestine.
- Survival decreased to 40% at 24 hours post-I/R, compared to 100% in sham-operated rats.
- Vascular permeability increased, and endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries was impaired, evidenced by reduced responses to acetylcholine.
Conclusions:
- Transient superior mesenteric artery occlusion leads to severe, multi-faceted injury to the rat small intestine and its vasculature.
- The study confirms and specifies the detrimental effects of I/R on intestinal tissue integrity and mesenteric arterial function.
