<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of the
ischemia preconditioning of the
donor liver on posttransplant
liver graft function in
Chinese miniature
pigs.</p><p><b>
METHODS</b>Twenty-five partially inbred
Chinese miniature
pigs were randomized into three groups, namely the normal
control group, the
ischemia-
reperfusion group and
ischemic preconditioning group.
Biopsies of the
liver graft were performed to analyze HSP70 expression by means of
immunoblotting, and the changes of
serum AST/ALT levels were assayed using an automated biochemical analyzer. Histopathological assessment was carried out to identify the
hepatocyte injury using optical and
transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>
Ischemia preconditioning resulted in a notable increase in HSP70 expression and milder
injury of the
hepatocyte microstructure, whereas
ischemia-
reperfusion caused a significant increase of
serum transaminases level (P<0.01) with declined HSP70 expression and obvious microstructural changes of the
liver tissue.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>
Ischemic preconditioning can produce obvious protective effects on the
donor liver, and positively regulates the expression of
shock protein.</p>