Changes of serum reduced glutathione and related enzymes in hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury in rats

Objective The release of free radical (FR) is associated with hepatic ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury. In this study, the effects of nitric oxide on serum reduced glutathione (GSH) and related enzymes were investigated. Methods A total of ninety male SD rats were devided into three groups: sham operation (GroupⅠ) and 70 min ischemia followed by reperfusion with being given L arginine (200 mg/kg) (GroupⅢ) or saline (GroupⅡ) intravenously just before the reflow. Rats were sacrificed at 0,1,3,6 and 12 h after reperfusion. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH PT) and glutathione sulfurtransferase (GSH ST) were determined. The morphologic change of the liver was studied. Results Serum AST, MDA, GST PX and GSH ST increased significantly in GroupⅡ while GSH decreased significantly from 3 h after reperfusion. The above changes were reversed by the NO donor, L arginine significantly. Conclusion These results demonstrate the changes of serum GSH,GSH PX and GSH ST in the hepatic IR injury and reflect the extent of tissue injury. These may correlate with the protective role of L arginine in the hepatic IR injury.