[The role tumor necrosis factor in multiple organ dysfunction caused by bowel ischemia and reperfusion]

To explore the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction following bowel ischemia and reperfusion, 98 rats were subjected to occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 45 minutes. It was found that the plasma TNF level increased rapidly after release of the clamp, peaking to 27.59 +/- 11.13 ng/ml 2 hours after reperfusion. Its changes in quantity was directly related to endotoxin in the portal circulation. Furthermore, the results showed that pretreatment with monoclonal antibody to TNF-alpha could significantly lowered the plasma TNF content and notably improved the functions of various organs. This study demonstrated that release of TNF might result in systemic hypotension and remarkable damage to liver, kidneys and lungs, which contributed to the development of sepsis and multiple system organ failure following severe ischemia-reperfusion injury of the intestine.