Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the value of time-dependent ischemia-modified ghrelin in mesenteric ischemia. The authors investigated whether or not there is changes in plasma ghrelin levels in the acute period in a rat model of mesenteric ischemia were time-related. 42 mature male rats were divided into seven groups: one control and six ischemia groups. In the ischemia groups, following laparotomy the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was ligated using a 2/0 silk suture, and blood samples were taken at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min. Plasma ghrelin levels in all the ischemia groups were significantly higher compared to the control group. In addition, the highest level of ghrelin was observed at 180 min. In our current study we have shown a direct increase in ghrelin in cases of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). This is a result of ghrelin’s protective effect against ischema/reperfusion (I/R) damage on the intestines, as in most of the other organs. With these characteristics, ghrelin can be easily applied in AMI and appears to be a prognosis parameter that can be used in clinics and needs no technological equipment or experience.

Key words: Ischemia, superior mesenteric arteria, ghrelin, rat.