Improved Preservation Of Erythrocyte Antioxidant Capacity With Ascorbic Acid Reperfusion After Ischemia: A Comparative Study In A Rat Hindlimb Model

Aim of the study: We aimed to measure lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes before and after ischemiareperfusion in a rat hindlimb model, and to compare the effects of reperfusion with Vitamin C and dexamethasone on the erythrocyte antioxidant capacity. Material and method: Thiobarbituric acid -reactive substances (TBARS), a measure of lipid peroxidation, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathion (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were determined in erythrocytes. Erythrocytes were prepared by classical washing method (0,9 %Nacl) from venous samples. A total of 42 rats were used in the study which were divided into 6 groups 7 rats in each as follows: control group or the sham-operated group, short ischemia-reperfusion, long ischemiareperfusion, short ischemia and reperfusion with ascorbic acid (AA), short ischemia and reperfusion with dexamethasone, the double extremity I-R with short duration groups. A non-traumatic vascular clamp (Acland, V3 vascular clamp) was placed accross the right iliac artery for 45 minutes in short ischemia and for 3 hours in long ischemia groups. Venous blood samples were taken to evaluate the Cat, SOD, GSH and TBARS levels in erythrocytes at the completion of reperfusion. Results: Elevated TBARS levels and decreased Cat, SOD and GSH levels in erythrocytes were seen after i-r of rat hindlimb (P<0.001). When compared with reperfusion with dexamethasone, AA had a more improved effect on antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes after ischemia of hindlimb in rats. Conclusions: Reperfusion with AA after ischemia resulted an improved antioxidant capacity preservation in erythrocytes. In clinical setting, addition of vitamin C to reperfusion solution may be benefical.