Survival After Mesenteric Arterial Occlusion by Treatment with Low Molecular Weight Dextran

Abstract

1. A segment of small bowel, approximately 30 cm., was acutely deprived of its arterial supply in 16 dogs. 2. Six dogs served as controls, receiving 15 ml./Kg. of 0.9 per cent saline or 1 ml./Kg. heparin. In all of these animals, the segment of bowel became necrotic. 3. Ten animals received 15 ml./Kg. of low molecular weight dextran after five hours of arterial occlusion, with survival of the involved bowel in all 10 dogs for a period of 48 hours to 3 weeks. 4. After five hours, the serum amylase in all animals decreased. In the control animals, the amylase value continued to decrease, whereas in the animals receiving the low molecular weight dextran it began to rise toward normal value.