Reduction by superoxide dismutase of leukocyte-endothelial adherence after liver transplantation

One hour after orthotopic rat liver transplantation, hepatic microcirculation and adhesion characteristics of leukocytes to the endothelial wall were studied with intravital microscopy. Cold storage for 1 and 8 hours in Euro-Collins solution resulted in reduction of perfused sinusoids to 83% and 48% and a decrease of leukocyte velocity from 417 microns/sec in controls to 311 microns/sec and 269 microns/sec, respectively. Additionally, the number of permanently adherent leukocytes rose from 4% in controls to 33% and 43% after cold storage for 1 and 8 hours. Intravenous injection of the free radical scavenger human recombinant superoxide dismutase (40 mg/kg) during reperfusion resulted in marked improvement of the hepatic microcirculation after both 1 and 8 hours of cold storage (91% and 69% perfused sinusoids; 420 microns/sec and 350 microns/sec leukocyte velocity; p less than 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of permanently adherent leukocytes decreased to 13% and 28% after 1 and 8 hours of cold ischemia, respectively. These results support the hypothesis that oxygen-derived free radicals contribute to leukocyte adherence and microcirculatory failure after cold liver ischemia and transplantation. Thus, application of oxygen free radical scavengers during liver transplantation procedures might be useful to improve graft function.