The prophylactic effect of L-Arginine in an experimental model of acute ischemic colitis. A histopathological and biochemical (malondialdehyde levels) evaluation

. Fotiadis C.; . Poussios D.; Papalois A.; . Papalois A.; Pilichos H.; . Pilichos H.; Adamis S.; Adamis S.; Fotinou M.; Fotinou M.; Leventis J.; Leventis J.; Preza A.; Preza A.; Xekouki P.; Xekouki P.; Karampela E.; Karampela E.; Grigoriou Th.; Grigoriou Th.; Galanis G.; Galanis G.; Perrea D.; Perrea P.; Karayannakos P.; Sechas M.

Authors . Fotiadis C., . Poussios D., Papalois A., . Papalois A., Pilichos H., . Pilichos H., Adamis S., Adamis S., Fotinou M., Fotinou M., Leventis J., Leventis J., Preza A., Preza A., Xekouki P., Xekouki P., Karampela E., Karampela E., Grigoriou Th., Grigoriou Th., Galanis G., Galanis G., Perrea D., Perrea P., Karayannakos P., Sechas M..

Abstract

SUMMARY
The aminoacid L-Arginine being the sole donor of nitric
oxide synthesis in cases of intestinal ischemia, seems to
play a protective role during experimental acute colon
ischemia and reperfusion. We studied the effect of pretreatment
with the aminoacid L-arginine in 144 Wistar rats who
were subjected to experimental acute ischemic colitis
(A.I.C.) and reperfusion of varying time periods (30, 60, 90
minutes). L-arginine was studied in comparison with Molcydomine
and Caseine, two substances used for intestinal
protection. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a reliable
marker which indicate the degree of tissue damage after
ischemia-reperfusion, were lower in the L-arginine
group, while the same group presented the lower level of
histopathological damages. We conclude that pretreatment
with L-arginine in rats subjected to A.I.C. attenuates the
histopathophysiological damages.
Key words: L-Arginine, Reperfusion injury, Intestinal
ischemia, Malondialdehyde, Experimental model.