Liver and lung late alterations following hepatic reperfusion associated to ischemic preconditioning or <i>N</i>‐acetylcysteine

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed the effect of n ‐acetylcysteine or ischemic preconditioning in hepatic and pulmonary damage after liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Twenty‐four male Wistar‐EPM rats were assigned into four groups: (IR) Hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion; (IPC) IPC achieved before hepatic ischemia; (NAC) Animals received NAC pretreatment; and Sham operated group. After 24 h of hepatic reperfusion, blood, liver, and pulmonary samples were evaluated. Nonparametric tests were used ( P ≤ 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase levels were similar among experimental groups. Lower alanine aminotrasnferase levels were observed in sham group ( P = 0.04). IPC and NAC groups prevented from necrosis ( P = 0.027), apoptosis ( P = 0.003), and microvesicular steatosis ( P = 0.0007), but not from neutrophil infiltration in liver tissue. IPC and NAC treatment reduced alveolar septal edema ( P = 0.014), but did not prevent from neutrophil infiltration or vascular congestion. In conclusion, IPC and NAC attenuated hepatic and pulmonary damage after hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.