ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the role of hepatocyte apoptosis in ischemia/reperfusion injury of grafted liver and the effects of endothelin 1 (ET 1) monoclonol antibody on hepatocyte apoptosis.Methods Othotopic liver transplantation rats were divided into two groups: with and without ET 1 antibody. The concentrations of ET 1 of plasma and liver tissue were measured. The parameters of liver fuction were determined . The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured and the number of apoptotic hepatocytes in grafts liver was determined.Results The levels of ET 1, ALT in serum, and ET 1, MDA and apoptotic cells in the grafted liver after ischemia/reperfusion were significantly increased compared with normal values. In the ET 1 antibody group, the levels of ET 1, ALT, MDA and apoptotic cells were significantly decreased. Conclusions ET 1 monoclonal antibody can attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury by decreasing lipid peroxide reaction, and decreasing apoptosis of hepatocytes and thus protect the liver graft.