Ischemic preconditioning increases HSP70 expression and its protective effects in rats orthotopic liver transplantation

Objective: To determine the changes of HSP70 expression and its protective effects in rats orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods: Being used as donors and recipients of orthotopic liver transplantation, rats were divided randomly into non-liver-transplantation troup (Group C), liver transplantation group (Group LT) and ischemic preconditioning plus liver transplantation group(Group IP). After operations ,HSP70 expression and the contents of SOD and ATP of liver tissue were determined, the changes of cellular morphology of liver tissue were observed by optical microscope,and the serum AST and ALT levels were assayed simultaneously. Results:Compared with Group C.HSP70 increased slightly in Group LT and significantly in Group IP(P0. 05). The levels of ALT and AST in Group LT were considerably higher than those of Group C; the changes of SOD and ATP levels were the reverse(P0. 05). Compared with Group LT,the ALT and AST levels in group IP dropped considerably while the SOD and ATP levels increased significantly(P0. 05). The liver cells were obviously injured in Group LT and their changes were slight however,in Group IP. Conclusion: Ischemic preconditioning can induce the overex-pression of HSP70 after orthotopic liver transplantation in rats. HSP70 may be an important protecting factor in relieving ischemic reperfusion injury to the donated liver.