Hydrogen sulfide improves intestinal recovery following ischemia by endothelial nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that has vasodilatory properties. It may be a novel therapy for intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We hypothesized that 1) H2S would improve postischemic survival, mesenteric perfusion, mucosal injury, and inflammation compared with vehicle and 2) the benefits of H2S would be mediated through endothelial nitric oxide. C57BL/6J wild-type and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS KO) mice were anesthetized, and a midline laparotomy was performed. Intestines were eviscerated, the small bowel mesenteric root identified, and baseline intestinal perfusion was determined using laser Doppler. Intestinal ischemia was established by temporarily occluding the superior mesenteric artery. Following ischemia, the clamp was removed, and the intestines were allowed to recover. Either sodium hydrosulfide (2 nmol/kg or 2 µmol/kg NaHS) in PBS vehicle or vehicle only was injected into the peritoneum. Animals were allowed to recover and were assessed for mesenteric perfusion, mucosal injury, and intestinal cytokines. P values < 0.05 were significant. H2S improved mesenteric perfusion and mucosal injury scores following I/R injury. However, in the setting of eNOS ablation, there was no improvement in these parameters with H2S therapy. Application of H2S also resulted in lower levels of intestinal cytokine production following I/R. Intraperitoneal H2S therapy can improve mesenteric perfusion, intestinal mucosal i...
Source: AJP: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research