Generation of hydroxyl radicals during ascites experimentally induced in broilers

1. Increased metabolic rates, pulmonary hypertension and cardiac dysfunction are the most important features of the ascites syndrome in broiler chickens. However, the mechanism of cell injury causing the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not clearly understood. Our study aimed to examine the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH center dot) in broiler chickens experiencing ascites. 2. Three hundred and fifty 1-d-old chickens were purchased from a local hatchery and reared in an open poultry house for 46 d. They were divided at random into three groups and ascites was induced in two groups by exposing them to low temperature or administration of triiodothyronine (T-3). The third group served as control and was reared normally. 3. Haematological, biochemical and pathological tests were used to determine the incidence of ascites; including total red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), release of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) and ratio of right ventricular weight to total ventricular weight (RV/TV). 4. A salicylate hydroxylation method was used to examine the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH center dot) in treated groups. Two hydroxylated salicylic acid metabolites, 2,3- and 2,5- dihydroxy benzoic acid (2,3- and 2,5- DHBA), were measured by HPLC to detect the generation of OH.. 5. An ascites syndrome was observed in T-3 and low-temperature treated groups, as shown by necropsy changes and increases in f RBC, PCV, ALT, AST and the ratio of RV/TV. Concentrations of 2,3- and 2,5- DHBA were increased in groups experiencing ascites compared to control group. 6. It is suggested that reactive oxygen species, that is OH. ions, may be involved in the pathogenesis of the ascites syndrome in broiler chickens.