EN
Studies were carried out to elucidate the anti-oxidative effect(s) of putrescine (10 mg/kg b.w./day) in rats treated per os with either sodium nitrite (10 mg/kg b.w./day) or normal saline (control) for 14 days. The putrescine was given to rats for 7 days only (days 7-14) and it was introduced 3-4 hrs after nitrite or saline dosage. Sodium nitrite increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in rat small intestinal mucosa and liver, and the agent did not have any effect on the total anti-oxidant status (TAS) and lipid peroxidation of rat blood. Nitrite did not also change the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the small intestinal mucosa, liver and blood, as well. Pretreatment of nitrite-treated rats with putrescine decreased TBARS and increased TAS in animals. Putrescine decreased SOD activity in the blood and liver of nitrite- and/or saline-treated rats, however, the agent did not affect the SOD enzyme in the small intestinal mucosa. Results suggest that putrescine dosed to nitrite-treated rats possesses some anti-oxidative properties.