Effects of Brain Death and Hemodynamic Status on Function and Immunologic Activation of the Potential Donor Liver in the Rat

Abstract

Brain death causes progressive liver dysfunction, which is made worse by the coexistence of hemodynamic instability. Further, brain death activates the inflammatory status of the potential donor liver, irrespective of the presence of hypotension. The changes observed may predispose the graft to additional damage from ischemia and reperfusion in the transplant procedure.