Role of calcitonin gene-related peptide and kinins in post-ischemic intestinal reperfusion

The involvement of kinins, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and tach ykinins during mesenteric post-ischemic reperfusion was studied in anesthet ized rats by using antagonists for bradykinin (BK) B-1 BK B-2 CGRP(1) or ta chykinin NK1 receptor, or by capsaicin-induced desensitization. B-1 B-2 or CGRP(1) receptor antagonists or desensitization attenuated the transient hy potension and plasma protein and leukocyte infiltration of intestinal wall observed during post-ischemic reperfusion. These effects were abolished by the combination of B-2 and CGRP(1) blockade as well as by B-2 antagonism in capsaicinized rats, while NK1 blockade was ineffective. Our results sugges t that kinins and CORP contribute to systemic vasodilatation and microvascu lar leakage during mesenteric reperfusion. Pharmacological blockade of thes e systems could help preventing hypotension and intestinal injury consequen t to reperfusion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.