Tempol reduces bacterial translocation after ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Purpose: We investigated whether Tempol, a water-soluble antioxidant, prevents the harmful effects of superior mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion on intestinal tissues in rats.

Methods: The rats were divided into three groups of 10. In group 1, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was isolated but not occluded, and in groups 2 and 3 the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min. After that, the clamp was removed and reperfusion began. In group 3, 5 min before the start of reperfusion, a bolus dose of 30 mg/kg Tempol was administered intravenously and continued at a dose of 30 mg/kg for 60 min. All animals were euthanized after 24 h and tissue samples were collected for analysis.

Results: There was a significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, and the incidence of bacterial translocation in group 2, with a decrease in glutathione levels. These parameters were found to be normalized in group 3. The intestinal mucosal injury score in group 2 was significantly higher than those in groups 1 and 3.

Conclusion: Tempol prevents bacterial translocation while precluding the harmful effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury on intestinal tissues in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.