Abstract

Objective: Free oxygen radicals cause diffuse cellular damage during reperfusion in the tissue. We investigated the effects of short-interval postconditioning in kidney in an animal model of ischemia-reperfusion.

Methods: Twenty-four adult Wistar albino rats equally divided into 3 subgroups: Control (II) and short-interval postconditioning (III) groups had undergone right nephrectomy and left renal ischemia subsequently. We did not expose sham (I) group to ischemia.. In postconditioning group (III), short-interval postconditioning (5 seconds reperfusion - 15 seconds ischemia, for a total of 2 minutes) was perfomed. However, in the control group (II) there was no postconditioning, and blood flow was restored immediately after a period of ischemia. The specimens were evaluated histopatologically for the presence of congestion, inflammation and necrosis. Tissue nitric oxide and glutation reductase, malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione levels were measured.

Results: Nitric oxide levels were significantly higher in the control group (p<0.05). Similarly, glutation reductase levels were also higher in the control group (p<0.05). Histopathological examination did not reveal any significant difference between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: We conclude that short-interval postconditioning is useful for reperfusion of kidneys, and may prevent renal failure probably caused by oxidative stress,through favourable contribution to the balance between reactive oxygen species and protective mechanisms.