Effect of sodium nitroprusside on ischemia-reperfusion injuries of the rat liver.

Background/aims: The role of NO (nitric oxide) in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury remains controversial, therefore the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as NO donor on ischemia-reperfusion injuries of the rat liver was studied.

Methodology: Warm ischemia (68% of total liver) of the rat liver was induced for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 60 min. A dose of 1 or 10 microg/kg/min SNP were continuously administered during the reperfusion period.