Effects of flunixin meglumine on jejunal blood flow, motility, and oxygen consumption in ponies
Stick, J.A.; Arden, W.A.; Chou, C.C.; Parks, A.H.; Wagner, M.A.; Johnston, C.C.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 49(7): 1173-1178
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 3421539 Document Number: 312737
Using isolated autoperfused intestinal segments, the effects of flunixin meglumine administration on systemic arterial blood pressure, jejunal blood flow, vascular resistance, motility, arteriovenous oxygen difference, and oxygen consumption were determined in 10 anesthetized ponies ventilated with a mixture of halothane and oxygen. Saline solution or flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg of body weight) was infused as a single bolus into the left jugular vein. By 10 minutes, flunixin meglumine increased systemic arterial blood pressure and increased intestinal vascular resistance. The jejunal blood flow, however, was not significantly decreased until 1 hour after flunixin meglumine administration. Intestinal motility, arteriovenous oxygen difference, and oxygen consumption were unchanged. Results indicated that acute administration of flunixin meglumine increases systemic arterial pressure and intestinal vascular resistance, but the resulting intestinal vasoconstriction does not lead to compromise of intestinal viability.