Nitric oxide enhances 12-HETE versus LTB4 generation in pancreatic transplantation

The role of nitric oxide in lipoxygenase metabolism after a process of ischemia-reperfusion in pancreas transplantation has been evaluated in this study. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups, as follows: Group I--Control animals not surgically manipulated; Group II.--Pancreas transplantation, after 12 h of organ preservation; Group III.--Same as II but with administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) (10 mg/Kg) prior to organ revascularization. The results show post-transplantation increases in leukotriene B4 and 12-hydroxyeicosatraenoic acid levels in pancreatic tissue. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition reversed the increases in 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, but was unable to modify leukotriene B4 increases suggesting the existence of a direct effect of nitric oxide on the 12-lipoxygenase metabolism in pancreas transplantation.