Effect of prostaglandin E-1 on Wisconsin University and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate preservation solutions on preservation injury of the perfused liver.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin E-1 (PGE-1) on preservation injury in livers perfused with the University of Wisconsin (UW) or histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions.

Materials And Methods: Five groups each including six rats included. Ringer's lactate RL (group 1), HTK (group 2), HTK + PGE-1 (group 3), UW (group 4), or UW PGE-1 (group 5). Liver tissue and preservation fluid samples were obtained from the perfused lives for pathological and biochemical examinations respectively at 0, 6 and 12 hours.

Results: Upon biochemical examination, aspartate aminotrasnferase and alanine aminotransferase values were highest among the group with RL solution and lowest with PGE-1. Liver structure was found to be damaged immediately after RL solution, whereas it was preserved in the other four groups. Fewer cellular changes were reported at the end of 12 hours in the groups administered PGE-1 compared with the other groups.

Conclusions: PGE-1 when applied before preservation protected liver functions, decreased pathologic injury, and delayed changes that occur under cold ischemic conditions.