Pathophysiology of the intestinal ischemic reperfusion injury

The objective of this review is to approach current information about the ischemic reperfusion injury that affects the gastrointestinal system in animals, because it is classified as a complex event that can cause local and systemic injuries, leading to multiple organ failure. The deleterious events caused by the reperfusion process are greater when compared with the ischemia, due to the circulation of toxins released secondary to hypoxia, loss of cellular membrane integrity, release of free radical and endothelial injuries during reperfusion. It is known that in Veterinary Medicine most of the abdominal emergencies (acute abdomen) cause gastrointestinal microcirculatory dysfunctions and its diagnostic is still a challenge, because the clinical signs are similar to other diseases. The reperfusion injury is one of the reasons for the morbidity and mortality associated with intestinal ischemia, a common affection, especially in equines. The injuries on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) are considerate of extreme importance due to its severity and the comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanism of these injuries is necessary to determine therapeutic strategies in the main domestic species.