Protective effect of irbesartan and edaravone on small-for-size liver graft transplantation in rates

Objective To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of irbesartan and edaravone on the rat liver transplantation model using small-for-size graft during acute phase of reperfusion.Methods We used 300 S-D rats for small-for-size graft liver transplantation,and the light rats were used as donors.Survived recipients were divided into five groups according table of random number:group A,control group; group B,edaravone treatment group; group C,irbesartan treatment group; group D,irbesartan and edaravone treatment group; group E,sham operation group.The rat 30％ small-for-size graft model was established.Six rats in each group were sacrificed randomly at 6th and 24th h after reperfusion respectively. The survival rate of animals and portal pressure were investigated.The rats in every group were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for liver function measurement.The contents of SOD and MDA in liver tissues were measured.Fresh liver tissue was used to detect the mRNA expression of Egr-1,ET1 and Bax by RT-PCR. Paraffinembedded liver specimens were used to assay apoptosis (TUNEL).Six rats at each time point in each group were studied.Results (1) One-week survival rate in the groups A,B,C,D and E was 8.33％(1/12),33.3％ (4/12),58.7％ (7/12),83.3％ (10/12),and 100％ (12/12),respectively,P＜0.05; (2) There was significant difference in the portal pressure,ALT,AST,MDA,SOD,Egr-1,ET-1,Bax,and the apoptotic index between treatment groups and control group,especially in the group D,P＜0.05 or P＜0.01.Conclusion Irbesartan and edaravone could protect small-for-size graft in partial liver transplantation probably by reducing portal vein pressure and diminishing ischemia reperfusion injury.The combined use of Irbesartan and edaravone is more effective than irbesartan or edaravone used alone. Key words: Rats;  Liver transplantation;  Irbesartan;  Edaravone;  Portal pressure;  Ischemia reperfusion injury