The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of chosen antioxidants on the reduction of destructive changes caused in the cells by the free oxygen radicals. Thirty-two male Wistar rats with surgically produced posterior limb acute ischemia were examined. The animals before reperfusion received either a single dose of the chosan antioxidant or no treatment at all. Using a method of measurement of the electron signal of paramagnetic resonance the level of free radicals was determined in tissue samples obtained during reperfusion. The activity of a isocitrate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in homogenized tissue samples was also measured. The administration of antioxidants significantly decreased the concentration of free radicals during reperfusion. A smaller reduction of activity of the examined enzymes was observed after treating with antioxidants. Administration of antioxidants has a beneficial influence on free radicals level during reperfusion.

Keywords: Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Free Radicals