British journal of pharmacology
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1 Poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) is a nuclear enzyme activated by strand breaks in DNA, which are caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we investigate the effects of the PARS inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), nicotinamide and 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline (ISO) on the circulatory failure and the organ injury/dysfunction caused by haemorrhage and resuscitation in the anaesthetized rat. 2 Haemorrhage (sufficient to lower mean arterial blood pressure to 50 mmHg for 90 min) and subsequent resuscitation with shed blood resulted (within 4 h after resuscitation) in a delayed fall in blood pressure to 66+/-4 mmHg (control, n=13). This circulatory failure was not affected by administration (5 min prior to resuscitation) of 3-AB (10 mg kg-1 i.v., n=7), nicotinamide (10 mg kg-1 i.v., n=6) or ISO (3 mg kg-1 i.v., n=6). 3 Haemorrhage and resuscitation also resulted in rises in the serum levels of urea and creatinine. ⋯ Similarly, haemorrhagic shock also resulted in an increase in the serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) indicating the development of neuromuscular injury. This was attenuated by 3-AB and nicotinamide, but not by nicotinic acid. Although ISO also attenuated the liver, pancreatic and neuromuscular injury caused by haemorrhagic shock, its vehicle had the same effect. 5 Thus, activation of PARS contributes to the organ injury and dysfunction caused by haemorrhage and resuscitation in the rat.