Early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) remains very difficult, partly due to the fact that useful markers of early small bowel ischemia have not yet been identified. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of serum intracellular enzymes in the tissues and organs in a controlled animal model of mesenteric intestinal ischemia. Forty-eight New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups including the control, artery ligation, vein ligation, and both artery and vein ligation groups. Plasma samples were obtained at 0-, 1-, 3-, 6- and 9‑h time-points and enzyme levels were determined. The bowel color and vitality were observed at the same time. The bowel showed an appearance of infarction after a period of ischemia in the animals. Six and 9 h after superior mesenteric artery ischemia, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased significantly. However, after 3 h of superior mesenteric venous (SMV) ligation, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels in the blood were considerably higher compared to the control group. Six hours after SMV ischemia, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly elevated compared to those pre-ligation. Serum enzyme levels during intestinal ischemia are not able to provide sufficient information as regards the extent and reversibility of intestinal ischemia, although, they may be able to reflect the presence of injury.

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