LEVELS OF NITRIC OXIDE METABOLITES IN RATS WITH HEPATOPULMONARY SYNDROME

Abstract

Background. System of nitric oxide (NO), which consists of NO, and its metabolites, is very important for various biological processes. NO is signalling molecules and mediators of intracellular and intercellular interaction that causes relaxation of smooth muscles of blood vessel walls, inhibits platelet aggregation and their adherence, is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, cell proliferation. Objective. The aim of our research was to study the content of nitric oxide metabolites in blood serum and bronchoalveolar lavage, to substantiate their role in pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome in experiment. Methods. The experiments were performed on 56 outbread male rats, 180-220 g in weight. The first experimental model of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) was made by imposition of double ligature on common bile duct and its further dissection with a scalpel. The second experimental HPS model was made by 8-week intragastric administration of oil solution CCl4 (400 g per 1 L), 0.5 ml per 100 g of body weight on the first day of the experiment, 0.3 ml per 100 g on the third day of the experiment and then every third day until the end of the experiment 0.3 ml per 100 g. A mixture of corn flour, lard and cholesterol and alcohol solution was added to the standard diet of the rats. Results. The total content of nitric oxide metabolites in blood serum of the rats of the experimental group No.1 (on the 31st day after the common bile duct ligation) was significantly increased in 3.9 times (p1<0,001) if compared with the control group №1. In the rats of the 2nd experimental group (with carbon tetrachloride induced cirrhosis) the total content of nitric oxide metabolites in blood serum also significantly increased in 3.1 times (p1<0,001). Comparison of nitric oxide metabolites content in blood serum and bronchoalveolar lavage, which directly indicated about the processes in lung tissue, was great importance. Conclusions. So, in rats with experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome activation of nitroxydergic process by significant increase in nitric oxide metabolites in blood serum and bronchoalveolar lavage took place.