The effect of post-reperfusion levosimendan in an experimental intestinal ischemia–reperfusion model

Background Levosimendan has been reported to have a positive effect on ischemia–reperfusion injury. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of levosimendan applied after reperfusion in an experimental intestinal injury-reperfusion (IR) model. Methods Twenty-one Wistar-albino male rats were separated into three groups: Sham group ( n = 7): solely superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was dissected after laparotomy; intestinal ischemia–reperfusion group (IIR, n = 7): SMA was clamped for 60 min and unclamped for 120 min to cause ischemia–reperfusion; IIR + levosimendan group (IIR + L, n = 7): levosimendan was administered in ischemia–reperfusion model. The mean arterial pressures (MAP) were measured in all groups. MAP measurements were performed at the end of stabilization, at the 15th, 30th, and 60th minute of ischemia; at the 15th, 30th, 60th, and 120th minute of reperfusion; and at the end of levosimendan bolus application and when levosimendan infusion concluded. Reperfusion injury was evaluated with tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and by Chiu score. Results MAP at 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min of reperfusion was lower in IIR and IIR + L groups compared with basal inter-group measurements. Decline in MAP at 30 min after reperfusion was statistically significant in IIR and IIR + L groups when compared with the sham group. There was no significant difference between MDA levels in the groups. Chiu score was significantly lower in the sham group when compared to IIR and IIR + L groups and higher in IIR when compared to the IIR + L group. Conclusion Levosimendan leads to a decrease in intestinal damage although it did not affect lipid peroxidation and MAP when administered after reperfusion in an experimental intestinal IR model.