Splanchnic PGI 2 Release and "No Reflow" Following Intestinal Reperfusion

This study examines the hypothesis that reduced splanchnic blood flow during intestinal reperfusion (IR) is associated with impaired release of the vasodilatory prostanoid PGI 2. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 120 min and reperfusion for up to 60 min. SMA blood flow was measured by transonic flow probe and radiolabeled microspheres ( 141Ce and 103Ru). Sham-operated animals served as controls (SHAM). Splanchnic eicosanoid release was quantitated by measuring thromboxane B 2 (TxB 2, stable metabolite of TxA 2), 6-keto-PGF 1a (6-keto, stable metabolite of PCI 2), and PGE 2 within the portal vein (PV) and inferior vena cava (IVC) of animals sustaining IR and SHAM. SMA flow in IR animals was