Healing of colonic ischemic anastomoses in the rat: role of superoxide radicals.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of superoxide radicals in the healing of ischemic colonic anastomoses in the rat.


METHODS
Adult male Wistar rats were used in a factorial design with two factors (normal or ischemic colonic anastomoses) each having two levels (treatment with saline or allopurinol). Colonic anastomoses were performed either in normal or previously devascularized colons (ischemic anastomoses) at identical locations, using the same technique. On the fourth postoperative day, animals were killed, and specimens were taken for determinations.


RESULTS
Ischemic anastomoses displayed significant increases in superoxide radical (assayed as superoxide anion), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase concentrations. Bursting strength and hydroxyproline levels were also significantly lower in these anastomoses. Allopurinol administration elicited a significant decrease in superoxide anions and raised both bursting strength and hydroxyproline levels only in ischemic anastomoses.


CONCLUSIONS
Superoxide radicals are involved in the delay in healing of ischemic anastomoses. Allopurinol lowers superoxide anion production and has beneficial effects on the cicatrization of ischemic anastomoses.
Departamento de Cirugia, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Universidad de Salamanca, Spain.
J G
JG
Garcia
F J
FJ
Criado
M A
MA
Persona
A G
AG
Alonso
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000032:analysis; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000502:physiology*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000032:analysis; D013481:Superoxides / Q000032:analysis; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013481:Superoxides; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase