Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira (Jun 2020)

Histological analysis of the intestinal wall of newborn rats submitted to hypoxia and reoxygenation to evaluate the protective effect of N-Acetylcysteine

  • Soraia Guerra Silvares,
  • Antonio Fernandes Moron,
  • Manuel de Jesus Simões,
  • Álvaro Ulhoa Cintra,
  • Edna Frasson de Souza Montero,
  • Edward Araujo Júnior,
  • José Luiz Martins

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-865020200040000001
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 35, no. 4

Abstract

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Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in newborn rats submitted to hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) conditions in an experimental model of necrotizing enterocolitis. Methods Eight pregnant rats and their 70 cubs were used (5 groups) and exposed to H/R conditions and received NAC at different times. The animals in the H/R groups were placed in a gas chamber (100% CO2) for 10 minutes and then reoxygenated for 10 minutes (100% O2), twice a day for the first three days of life, with a six-hour span between events. On the third day of life, the animals were anesthetized, laparotomized and the intestines were resected. Results The H/R and NAC groups showed changes in the intestinal wall in relation to the number, height and width of the villi when compared to the control group (p<0.0001), but with better preservation of structures in the NAC group. There were no differences between groups regarding the number (%) of mitoses. Conclusion The administration of NAC decreased the lesions in the intestinal wall of rats submitted to H/R, therefore suggesting that this drug can be used to prevent the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns.

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