Diagnostic value of plasminogen activity level in acute mesenteric ischemia.

Aim: To investigate the changes in plasminogen activity level during mesenteric ischemia.

Methods: We performed laparotomy in 90 female Wistar-Albino rats (average weight 230 g). In sham groups (SL) (Groups I and II) the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) were explored, but not tied. In SMA groups (Groups III and IV) the SMA was ligated, and in SMV groups (Groups V and VI) the SMV was ligated. On re-laparatomy 2 mL of blood was drawn at 1 h in groups I, III and V, and at 3 h in groups II, IV and VI. Plasminogen levels were assessed and comparisons were made between groups and within each group.

Results: The mean plasminogen activity in the SL group was significantly higher than SMA (25.1 +/- 10.8 vs 11.8 +/- 4.6, P < 0.001) or SMV (25.1 +/- 10.8 vs 13.7 +/- 4.4, P < 0.001) groups both at 1 h and at 3 h (29.8 +/- 8.9 vs 15.1 +/- 5.7, P < 0.0001; 29.8 +/- 8.9 vs 14.2 +/- 2.9, P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the values of SMA and SMV groups at 1 h (P = 0.28) and at 3 h (P = 0.71). In each group, plasminogen activity levels did not change significantly between the two measurements performed at 1 h and 3 h.

Conclusion: We conclude that blood plasminogen activities decrease during early phases of both arterial and venous mesenteric ischemia which may be a useful marker for early diagnosis.