This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Nitric oxide reduces organ injury and enhances regeneration of reduced‐size livers by increasing hepatic arterial flow. BJS 2008; 95: 785-792.
Published: 16th April 2008
Authors: D. Cantré, H. Schuett, A. Hildebrandt, S. Dold, M. D. Menger, B. Vollmar et al.
Background
Reduced‐size livers suffer from portal hyperperfusion, diminished arterial blood flow and the risk of postoperative liver injury. The aim of this experimental study was to unravel the role of nitric oxide in this setting.
Method
Rats underwent 85 per cent partial hepatectomy and either substitution of nitric oxide with molsidomine or inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with NG‐nitro‐
Results
Ultrasonic flowmetry following partial hepatectomy revealed a marked increase in portal venous inflow with a concomitant decrease in hepatic arterial inflow. Nitric oxide substitution counteracted the decline in hepatic arterial inflow and caused a significantly greater increase in cell proliferation after partial hepatectomy compared with control or NOS‐inhibited animals. Hepatectomized animals further profited from nitric oxide substitution, as indicated by reduced aminotransferase release and improved liver function.
Conclusion
Nitric oxide improves the postoperative course of rats with reduced‐size livers by modulating hepatic macrohaemodynamics and mediating regeneration and cytoprotection, but not by reducing hepatic hyperperfusion and the accompanying sinusoidal shear stress. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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