Hepatic necrosis in the pig produced by transient arterial occlusion

The effects of transient liver ischaemia were studied in young pigs. At operation, a specially designed ligature sling was placed around the hepatic artery and brought out through the abdominal wall so that it could be later tightened. All other routes of arterial supply to the liver were divided. The arterial supply was occluded for 1, 2, 4 or 12 h on the 1st and 3rd postoperative days. Ischaemic damage was assessed histologically and by serum ASAT and acid hydrolase levels. Liver necrosis developed after 1--2 h of occlusion and increased after 4 and 12 h of occlusion. Ischaemic liver damage was reduced when the operation and occlusion were separated by 72 hr.