Crosslinked Hemoglobin-Superoxide Dismutase-Catalase Scavenges Free Radicals in a Rat Model of Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Abstract

An in vivo rat model of isolated intestinal ischemia-perfusion was developed. This is used to compare the effects of crosslinked hemoglobin (PolyHb) versus crosslinked hemolobin-superoxide dismutase-catalase (PolyHb-SOD-CAT) on free radical generation in ischemia-reperfusion. Fasted, anesthetized male Sprague Dawley rats underwent midline laparotomy with cannulation of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. Ligation was carried out at the renal pedicles bilaterally and the aorta and vena cava proximally at the diaphragm and distally above the femoral bifurcation. The system was flushed of blood with 20 ml of lactated Ringer's solution. The portal vein was then cannulated with distal clamping at the porta hepatis so that isolated intestinal perfusion could be achieved with the aorta as the inlet and the portal vein as the outlet. Following a 90 minute ischemic time, perfusates containing modified hemoglobin (5 g/dl) and 4-hydroxybenzoate (5 mM) were infused at 0.8 ml/min for 10 min. Portal vein effluent samples were collected at 2.5 minute intervals. Hydroxyl radical generation was assessed by an aromatic hydroxylation technique with 4-hydroxybenzoate (4HB). Reaction of hydroxyl radical with 4HB produces 3,4 dihydroxybenzoate (3,4 DHBA). In the PolyHb group, the levels of 3,4-DHBA increased 10.75–13.58 x-fold above pre-perfusion values compared to 2.25–3.75 x-fold in PolyHb-SOD-CAT group. This indicates that PolyHb-SOD-CAT is effective in reducing in vivo hydroxyl radical generation following reperfusion. Since free radicals may play a major role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury, this suggests a role for PolyHb-SOD-CAT as a possible protective perfusate in intestinal reperfusion injury.