Protective effect of cyclosporine A (CyA) against the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion.

The putative hepatoprotective effect of cyclosporine A (CyA) against the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion was studied in rats after a two-thirds hepatectomy following a 60-minute period of ischemia of the unresected liver. Animals were divided into three distinct groups of 10 rats each Group 1 (controls) received 0.5 ml saline solution intravenously (i.v.) while group 2 animals were injected with CyA (5 mg/kg) i.v., 24 hours before the induction of hepatic ischemia. The hepatic ATP content and serum levels of ALT and LDH were determined in each animal. Rats in group 3 were subjected to two-thirds hepatectomy only without the induction of ischemia. All controls died within 72 hours (group 1). Pretreatment of CyA improved the 7-day survival to 60% (p < 0.01). All group 3 animals survived through seven days. The improved survival seen in CyA pretreated animals as compared to controls was reflected by a restoration of hepatic ATP content and reduction in the serum levels of ALT and LDH postoperatively. Based on these results, it may be concluded that CyA ameliorates the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion and allows the liver to recover and regenerate. Subsequently, survival is enhanced.