The effects of carnosine in an experimental rat model of septic shock

BACKGROUND To examine the effect of carnosine on liver function and histological findings in experimental septic shock model, 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were used. MATERIAL/METHODS Rats were divided into control, septic shock, and carnosine-treated septic shock groups. Femoral vein and artery catheterization were performed on all rats. Rats in the control group underwent laparotomy and catheterization; in the test groups, cecal ligation-perforation and bladder cannulation were added. Rats in the treatment group received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 250 mg/kg carnosine 60 minutes after cecal ligation-perforation. Rats were monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature to assess the postoperative septic response, and body fluids were replaced as necessary. At the end of 24 hours, rats were sacrificed and liver samples were collected. RESULTS Statistically significant improvements were observed in liver function, tissue and serum MDA levels, and histological findings in rats treated with carnosine, compared to rats with untreated sepsis. HB and HCT values did not change significantly during the course of the experiment. Rats exposed to septic shock and treated with carnosine exhibited decreased sinusoidal dilatation and cellular inflammation into the portal region, compared to the sepsis group; the livers of rats in this group had near-normal histological structure. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that carnosine may be an effective treatment for oxidative damage due to liver tissue perfusion defects in cases of septic shock.