Abstract: Objective To explore the protective effects of proanthocyanidins pretreatment on intestinal function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (group A, n=8), ischemia-reperfusion group (group B, n=8) and proanthocyanidins pretreatment group (group C, n=8). The model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats was established according to Longa's method. Group C was intraperitoneally injected with proanthocyanidins 10 mg/(kg &#8901; d), group A and group B were injected with normal saline for 5 consecutive days. 1 and 3 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, ileum myoelectric slow wave and smooth muscle contractility, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured, the content of the serum TNF-α was tested with ELISA kit, ileum tissues were tested with hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining and used for measuring the moisture content. Results Compared with group B 1 and 3 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the intestinal mucosa injury relieved, the intestinal mucosa score decreased (P<0.05) and the number of infiltrated inflammatory cell decreased in group C; the frequency of slow wave and contraction trended to increase (P>0.05), and the amplitude increased (P<0.05) in group C; the serum SOD activity increased (P<0.05), and the content of MDA and TNF-α decreased (P<0.01) in group C; the intestinal moisture content reduced (P<0.01) in group C. Conclusion Proanthocyanidins pretreatment can protect intestinal function from injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Key words: cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, proanthocyanidins, intestinal function, rats