A study of the radioprotective effect of vasopressin induced ischaemia on the small intestine of the dog and its relation to circulatory parameters.

Abstract

The degrees of radioprotection achievable by clamping mesenteric vessels, blocking microcirculation by degradable micro-spheres and various doses of vasopressin injected into the superior mesenteric artery in dogs have been studied using a technique in which series of localized irradiations of segments of the small intestine were made. The flow speeds of blood in the small intestine and through the intestinal mucosa were examined by an isotope technique using a mixture of 99TcmSn colloid and 32P. Vasopressin has been observed to influence the mucosal circulation. Of the alternatives tested, vasopressin at a dosage of 0.05 IU/kg body weight resulted in the highest degree of radioprotection of the small intestine of the dog.