Abstract
We studied the protective effect of perfusion of allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase and suppresser of production of free radicals, on mucosal damage of the small intestine after ischemia and resumption of blood flow. Conclusions were drawn particularly from the changes in Na+-K+ ATPase actvity observed in the intestinal villi of the canine. Na+-K+ ATPase activity was significantly lower in the groups perfusedand treated with or without the superoxide production inhibitor than in the control group (p<0.05). In the group given the superoxide production inhibitor in conjunction with perfusion, the reduction in Na+-K+ ATPase activity was significantly suppressed (p<0.05). The results show that Na+-K+ ATPase activity in the small intestine declines as a result of mucosal damage after ischemia and resumption of blood flow. Furthermore, the decline is caused by the involvement of free radicals, and that the administration of allopurinol as a superoxide production inhibitor is effective in protecting the mucous membrane of the small intestine after ischemia and resumption of blood flow.
