Enzymatic and metabolic changes in peripheral serum after superior mesenteric artery ligation in dogs

Modifications in serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic-oxalacetic-transaminases (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic-transaminases, L-gamma-glutamyl transferases, alkaline phosphatase, glycemia, serum nitrogen, creatinine, amylase, sodium and potassium were measured in dogs during experimentally induced acute mesenteric infarction, in the attempt to establish useful criteria for the early diagnosis of mesenteric infarction. Twelve dogs were studied, 6 being submitted to simple laparotomy and 6 to ligation of the superior mesenteric artery which caused mesenteric infarction. Venous blood samples were collected for 24 hours after surgery in all animals in order to detect any changes in the above-mentioned enzymatic and metabolic parameters. All animals were killed after the experiment and autopsy studies carried out. Animal with mesenteric infarction displayed a significant increase in serum total CPK, LDH, GOT and alkaline phosphatase. This observation may be useful in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric infarction.