Effect of a leukocyte-depleting filter in an extracorporeal circuit used for low-flow ischemia and reperfusion of equine jejunum

Objective-To determine effect of leukocyte depletion on hematologic, morpho logic, and metabolic variables of equine jejunum after induction of arteria l low-flow ischemia and reperfusion by use of an extracorporeal circuit. Animals-14 healthy adult horses. Procedure-A segment of jejunum was surgically removed and maintained in an isolated circuit for 3 hours (control group), arterial flow was reduced to 20% of baseline for 40 minutes followed by 1 hour of reperfusion (low-flow group), or leukocyte depletion was filter-induced, and low-flow ischemia an d reperfusion were conducted as in the low-flow control group (filter-treat ed group). Various metabolic, hemodynamic, and histomorphologic variables w ere evaluated, including effects of electrical field stimulation and L-N-ni tro-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) on contractile activity. Results-The extracorporeal circuit appeared to maintain the jejunum within physiologic limits for an extended period. Low-flow ischemia with reperfusi on induced significant differences in various measurements, compared with c ontrol specimens. Significant differences were not detected between the low -flow and filter-treated groups. Myeloperoxidase activity was greater in th e low-flow group than the control group, whereas a difference was not detec ted between control and filter-treated groups. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The extracorporeal circuit maintained in testine for 3 hours in a physiologic state and may be used for simulation o f tissue injury. Leukocyte depletion generally did not attenuate the effect s of low-flow ischemia and reperfusion on equine small intestine.