Plasma amylin concentration is related to the severity of intestinal ischemic injury in rats

Abstract Background. Previous work has demonstrated that intestinal ischemia increases plasma amylin concentration. This study examined the relationship between the degree of intestinal ischemia injury and plasma amylin in an experimental rat model. Methods. Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n = 6); a sham-operated group (n = 9); and 3 intestinal ischemia-reperfusion groups (n = 8 in each), which underwent clamping of the superior mesenteric artery for either 15, 30, or 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion. Samples were then collected for intestinal histology and measurement of amylin, insulin, and glucose. Results. There was a positive correlation between the histologic score of the intestinal injury and the measured plasma amylin concentration ( R = 0.48, P =.007). The median plasma concentration of amylin was 62 pmol/L (range, 42-97 pmol/L) in the 30-minute intestinal ischemia group and 58 pmol/L (42-86 pmol/L) in the 45-minute intestinal ischemia group. Both these groups were increased compared with the sham-operated group (29 pmol/L; range, 22-57 pmol/L; P P P P P P Conclusions. Plasma amylin concentration is related to the severity of intestinal ischemic injury. (Surgery 2001;129:730-5.)