LIPO-PGE(1), PROSTAGLANDIN E(1) INCORPORATED IN LIPID MICROSPHERES, PROTECTS INJURY OF THE LIVER CAUSED BY WARM ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION

Effects of Lipo-PGE(1), prostaglandin E(1) incorporated in lipid micro spheres on liver injury caused by ischemia reperfusion were investigat ed. Lipo-PGE(1) (10 mu g/kg or 3 mu g/kg) or vehicle was gradually inj ected twice via portal vein 5 min prior to induction of ischemia and r eperfusion. Rats died within 2 d after liver ischemia of 90 min from t he group receiving injection of vehicle alone. Lipo-PGE(1) had its mos t profound effect on the survival of animals subjected to liver ischem ia followed by reperfusion when given in two doses, one prior to ische mia, and another prior to reperfusion. Lipo-PGE(1) markedly suppressed both the increases in plasma PCOOH (phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide ) levels and the leakage of GOT, GPT, and LDH from the liver during th e ischemia reperfusion. These findings suggest that Lipo-PGE(1) may ha ve therapeutic applications in treatment of hepatic injury.