Objective: To investigate the predictive value of serum nitrate (nitrogen oxide: NOx) levels in the detection of peripheral and mesenteric ischaemia durations.
Methods: Rats were sacrificed for determining the basal serum values of NOx in Group I without any intervention. The superior mesenteric artery was clamped in Groups II and III and blood samples were taken at 120 minutes in Group II and at 360 minutes in Group III. The right common femoral artery was clamped in Groups IV and V and blood samples were taken at 120 minutes in Group IV and at 360 minutes in Group V.
Results: The peak values of NOx were obtained in Group II and Group IV. NOx levels were reduced in advanced periods of ischaemia. In the other words, the NOx levels were significantly higher at two hours of ischaemia (p < 0.05), and NOx levels were reduced to normal ranges at the sixth hour of ischaemia.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and rapid treatment are important for acute ischaemic disorders. Serum NOx levels can be a decisive biomarker for prediction of the critical ischaemia period.