Effects of hydrogen sulfide on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Objective To investigate effects of hydrogen sulfide on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.Methods Thirty healthy male SD rats weighing 220-250 g were randomly divided into sham operation group (S group),ischemia-reperfusion group(IR group) and different doses of hydrogen sulfide groups (H2S1～3 groups),every group contains six rats.In S group hepatic portal was only exposed but not ligated.In IR group the left and middle lobes of hepatic pedicle,portal vein and hepatic artery were clamped for 1 h and then reperfuse.H2 S1～3groups received intraperitoneal injection of NaHS 14,28,56 μmol/kg at 5 min before reperfusion.Blood samples were collected for measuring the activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum at 6 h after reperfusion.Liver tissue samples were collected for measurement the glutathione (GSH) content and pathologic examination.Results Compared with S group,the activity of ALT and AST in serum was increased,GSH content in liver tissue decreased in IR group ; Compared with IR group,the activity of ALT and AST in serum was decreased,GSH content in liver tissue increased in H2 S1～3 groups.Hepatic tissue pathologic injury was reduced in H2 S1～3 groups as compared with IR group.Conclusion Hydrogen sulfide can reduce hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Key words: Hydrogen sulfide;  Reperfusion injury;  Liver