Hepatic dysfunction after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

Abstract

Our purpose was to investigate liver dysfunction due to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR). In our experimental study, rabbits underwent 120 minutes (min) of superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by 45 min of reperfusion (the study group); the control group consisted of those rabbits that had only received the laparotomy. Hepatic artery and portal vein blood flows were measured with Doppler ultrasonography at 5 points before ischemia, at the moment of the reperfusion, and 15, 30, and 45 min into the reperfusion. At the same time, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the hepatic tissue, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and the bile flow rate were measured. After ischemia, hepatic artery and portal vein blood flows in the study group were decreased, as were the ATP levels in the hepatic tissue while serum ALT levels were higher. In the control group, however, there was not significant change. Our experimental study demonstrated that IIR produces hepatic dysfunction. Thus, patientsÕ hepatic functions must be evaluated carefully after reperfusion in order to decrease mortality and morbidity in those at for intestinal ischemia.