Background: Lung and liver dysfunction is involved in gut ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced multiple organ failure. We compared the effects of ketamine and isoflurane on liver and lung mitochondrial oxidative capacity after gut IR.
Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups (controls and gut IR receiving either intraperitoneal ketamine or inhaled isoflurane). Maximal oxygen consumption and the activity of respiratory chain complexes were measured on isolated liver and lung mitochondria.
Results: Gut IR significantly impaired liver and lung mitochondrial oxidative capacity when using ketamine but not isoflurane.
Conclusions: Isoflurane preserved liver and lung mitochondrial oxidative capacity after gut IR.