ABSTRACT
Mesenteric ischemia is a potentially life-threatening disorder; however, there is still no exact diagnosis for it. This study was designed to evaluate pH value and potassium level of DPL for diagnosing mesenteric ischemia in the afflicted rats. In this experimental study, 32 rats were divided in four groups [8 rats in each group]. In groups 1 and 2 abdomen was opened and closed without any medical interventions then through a catheter they were injected 200cc of normal saline intraperitoneally. In group 1 after one hour and in group 2 after two hours the liquid was lavaged for determination of potassium and pH values. A blood sample was also prepared for determination of potassium. In groups 3 and 4, after anesthesia, the main branch of the superior mesenteric artery was ligated with a non-absorbable suture and the animals were introduced to the procedures just mentioned. Mesenteric ischemia led to varied peritoneal pH and blood as well as peritoneal lavage potassium between the two groups. Only blood/peritoneal potassium level showed a significant difference after 2 hours of mesenteric artery ligation. Peritoneal pH and blood/peritoneal lavage potassium can be used as an indicator of mesenteric ischemia. Blood/ peritoneal potassium level may also be helpful to predict the duration of mesenteric ischemia