Experimental evaluation of the effects of the intraportal administration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate on ischemia/reperfusion in the porcine liver.

This study was done to examine the protective effects of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a second messenger of nitric oxide, for ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver, since it is known to induce vasodilatation and to inhibit platelet aggregation. Using an experimental model of porcine liver ischemia, 8-bromoguanosine 3',5' monophosphate, a cGMP analog, was continuously administered into the portal vein before ischemia and after reperfusion 30 min for each in the cGMP group (n = 6). Saline water was administered in the same way in the control group (n = 6). The cardiac output (CO), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), portal venous flow (PVF), hepatic arterial flow (HAF), hepatic tissue blood flow (HTBF), and hepatic tissue cGMP level were determined. Hepatic enzymes and the bile discharge were also assessed as indicators of hepatic function. The hepatic tissue cGMP level was significantly higher, and PVF, HTBF, and the bile discharge were significantly greater in the cGMP group, while there were no remarkable differences between the groups with CO, MAP, HAF, and hepatic enzymes. In conclusion, the continuous supplementation of cGMP into the portal vein was found to be beneficial for preserving both the hepatic circulation and, consequently, the hepatic function after warm ischemia of porcine liver.