[Effect of prostaglandin E1 on arterial ketone body ratio during gastrectomy]

We evaluated the effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR), which is a parameter to indicate the function of the liver cells, in the patients undergoing total or subtotal gastrectomy. Twenty patients were divided into two groups: continuous intravenous administration of PGE1 (0.02 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) was started from 30 minutes after the beginning of the operation in 10 patients, and the remainders did not receive PGE1. AKBR levels at 30 minutes after the beginning of the operation (during the resection of stomach) were significantly lower than those after the resection of stomach in both groups. A significant increase in AKBR caused by the administration of PGE1 was observed during the resection of the stomach in PGE1 group. However, almost no change was observed in AKBR during the resection of the stomach in control group. These findings suggest that the administration of PGE1 has a protective effect on liver which is due mainly to the increase in hepatic blood flow during the resection of stomach.