Mucosal protective effect of PGI2 on canine small bowel auto-transplantation

We designed this experimental study to assess the mucosal protective effects of continuous prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) infusion after canine small bowel autotransplantation.

Six Mongrel dogs were randomly divided two groups: PGI2 (n = 3) and control (n = 3). The small bowel from jejunum to ileum was obtained, including the mesenteric vascular pedicle. After cold flushing ex vivo, the harvested segment was preserved in an icebox for 3 hours. Thereafter we reimplanted the harvested intestinal segment. While completing the anastomosis, PGI2 (50 μg) was slowly infused through the mesenteric artery in the PGI2 group versus the same volume of saline in the control group. At 1, 3 and 6 days after autotransplantation, we obtained blood samples, and at 6 days, small bowel segments. Endotoxin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured and all histologic specimens stained with hematoxylin-eosin H-E were reviewed by a pathologist to grade mucosal damage as: mild (1 point), moderate (2 points), or severe (3 points) change.

Mean basal serum endotoxin levels were similar in both groups the PGI2 groups versus control group were 0.216 ± 0.018 versus 0.223 ± 0.040 EU/mL, respectively. However, on day 3 after the operation, the PGI2 group showed much decreased levels of serum endotoxin compared to control levels: 0.349 ± 0.196 versus 0.842 ± 0.446 EU/mL. The mean concentration of serum IL-6 on day 1 after operation among the PGI2 versus control group were 32.13 ± 7.13 pg/mL versus 36.96 ± 3.65 pg/mL. The histologic scores at 6 days after the operation were PGI2 group versus control group: 1.33 versus 1.66 (P = NS).

Continuous infusions of PGI2 through the mesenteric artery after the canine small bowel autotransplantation may protect the small bowel mucosal barrier.