During Gut Ischemia/Reperfusion*

ABSTRACT. Background: We have previously demonstrated in a rodent model the differential effects that specific intralu-minal nutrients exert on gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Alanine was shown to amplify, whereas glucose pro-tected against, gut I/R injury and associated gut dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine whether these specific nutrients are associated with alterations in mucosal perfusion during gut I/R. Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats had either a laser doppler probe or a tonometer inserted into a jejunal sac filled with either 10 mmol/L alanine, glucose, or mannitol (osmotic control) followed by 60 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion and 60 minutes of reperfusion. Laser doppler mucosal blood flow and regional PCO2 (PrCO2) measurements were obtained. Results: Mucosal blood flow was significantly increased during both ischemia and reperfusio