Could fetal bovine serum protect the small bowel from ischemia and reperfusion injury by using a systemic perfusion.

The luminal perfusion of fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been reported to protect the small bowel from ischemia/reperfusion injury. We studied the effect of intravascular FBS infusion in a rat model of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion. Thirty male Lewis rats received an FBS (FBS group) or saline [control (CON) group] infusion through the vena cava. Fourteen days later (day 0), all rats underwent 2-hours total vascular occlusion in 15 cm of the intestine. Rats were killed on days 0, 3, and 6 to determine the intestinal morphology and DNA and protein content. After FBS perfusion, DNA and protein levels showed no significant increase. In both groups, the mucosa and weight of the intestine changed, but not significantly. The lung, spleen, and liver were congested. Mucosal morphology of the small intestine and DNA and protein content do not significantly change with FBS infusion. Reasons might be an insufficient dose of FBS or the short duration of intestinal ischemia. Systemically perfused FBS may also act as an antigen in some organs. The role of FBS in sysTemic perfusion requires further study.