Effects of a free radical scavenger, MCI-186, on ischemia-reperfusion injury during extended liver resection in dogs.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In liver surgery, total clamping of the portal triad (Pringle's procedure) is commonly used, and this sometimes causes liver failure. This study evaluated the effects of a free radical scavenger, MCI-186, on ischemia-reperfusion injury during liver resection in dogs.

METHODOLOGY: The experimental animals were divided into two groups. In the MCI group (n = 6), MCI-186 (6mg/kg/h) was administered twice, through a catheter placed in the right hepatic vein: the first time was from 0.5 hours before the onset of ischemia until ischemia by partial inflow occlusion, and the second was from 0.5-hours before reperfusion until reperfusion. In the control group (n = 6), vehicle (physiological saline) was administered in the same manner.

RESULTS

The serum AST, ALT, and LDH levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the MCI group than in the control group. Hepatic tissue blood flow 0.5 hours after reperfusion was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the MCI group than in the control group. Histological tissue damage was mild, and tissue MDA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the MCI group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

MCI-186 ameliorates the ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by Pringle's procedure during extended liver resection.