NITRIC-OXIDE ENHANCES 12-HETE VERSUS LTB(4) GENERATION IN PANCREATIC TRANSPLANTATION

The role of nitric oxide in lipoxygenase metabolism after a process of ischemia-reperfusion in pancreas transplantation has been evaluated i n this study. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups, a s follows: Group I.-Control animals not surgically manipulated; Group II.-Pancreas transplantation, after 12 h of organ preservation; Group III.-Same as II but with administration of N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) (10 mg/Kg) prior to organ revascularization. The results show post-transplantation increases in leukotriene B-4 and 12-hydroxyeicosatraenoic acid levels in pancreatic tissue. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition reversed the increases in 12 -hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, but was unable to modify leukotriene B- 4 increases suggesting the existence of a direct effect of nitric oxid e on the 12-lipoxygenase metabolism in pancreas transplantation.