Time dependent response in ghrelin levels in mesenteric ischemia in rat

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the value of time-dependent ischemia-modified ghrelin in mesenteric ischemia. The authors investigated whether or not there is changes in plasma ghrelin levels in the acute period in a rat model of mesenteric ischemia were time-related. 42 mature male rats were divided into seven groups: one control and six ischemia groups. In the ischemia groups, following laparotomy the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was ligated using a 2/0 silk suture, and blood samples were taken at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min. Plasma ghrelin levels in all the ischemia groups were significantly higher compared to the control group. In addition, the highest level of ghrelin was observed at 180 min. In our current study we have shown a direct increase in ghrelin in cases of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). This is a result of ghrelin’s protective effect against ischema/reperfusion (I/R) damage on the intestines, as in most of the other organs. With these characteristics, ghrelin can be easily applied in AMI and appears to be a prognosis parameter that can be used in clinics and needs no technological equipment or experience. Key words: Ischemia, superior mesenteric arteria, ghrelin, rat. INTRODUCTION Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is one of many abdominal emergencies. It refers to a sudden onset of intestinal hypoperfusion, which can be due to an occlusive or a nonocclusive obstruction of arterial or venous blood flow (Stamatakos et al., 2008). AMI is caused by mesenteric occlusive vascular disease and is more common in adult patients who have additional cardiovascular problems, with a mortality rate of 30 to 90%. The causes of AMI in the pediatric age group include mesenteric vascular occlusion due to invasive aortic monitoring devices, neonatal aortic thrombosis,