Effect of sildenafil on intestinal adaptation parameters in a rat model of short bowel syndrome

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of sildenafil on the intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome (SBS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar-albino rats (weight, 231-390 g) were randomly divided into four groups with 12 rats in each. Group TA had only ileal transection+anastomosis, Group TA+S was given sildenafil after ileal transection+anastomosis, Group RA had a resection of 75% of the small bowel+anastomosis, Group RA+S was given sildenafil after small bowel resection+anastomosis. Sildenafil was injected subcutaneously at 60 mg/kg/day dose throughout 3-21 days postoperatively. Bowel and mucosal weights, villus height, crypt depth, DNA and protein concentrations were determined. RESULTS: Jejunal bowel weight was lower in TA and TA+S groups than RA and RA+S groups (p < 0.05). RA+S group had higher ileal and jejunal mucosal weights than RA and TA+S groups (p < 0.05). Villus height was highest in RA+S group both in ileum and jejunum (466.1 +/- 38.6 mu m and 648.1 +/- 65.7 mu m, respectively). Jejunal crypt depth was highest in RA+S group (255.1 +/- 21.9 mu m) compared to other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ileal and jejunal protein concentration between TA and TA+S groups and in ileal protein concentration between RA ve RA+S groups (p > 0.05). Ileal DNA concentration was higher in TA+S group, and jejunal DNA concentration was higher in RA and RA+S groups than TA and TA+S groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil has a positive effect on intestinal adaptation parameters, particularly in jejunum in a rat SBS model. Thus, its role in the treatment of SBS should be further investigated with clinical studies.