Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Porcine Normothermic Isolated Liver Perfusion
Published on: June 9, 2023
Segmental ischemia of the liver - microdialysis in a novel porcine model
Anders Winbladh1, P Sandström, H Olsson
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden. anders.winbladh@lio.se
Background:
Segmental liver ischemia is often used in rodents to study ischemia and reperfusion injuries (IRI). There are no reports of protocols using segmental ischemia in porcine models. Microdialysis (MD) provides the opportunity to study local effects of IRI in vivo.
Methods:
Eight pigs received an MD catheter placed in liver segments IV and V, respectively. All circulation to segment IV was stopped for 80 min, and reperfusion was followed for 240 min.
Results:
During ischemia the levels of lactate, glycerol and glucose increased 3-fold (p < 0.001), 40-fold (p < 0.001) and 4-fold (p < 0.01), respectively, in the ischemic segment compared to the perfused segment, whereas the levels of pyruvate fell to a tenth of the preischemic level (p < 0.001). All values returned to baseline after reperfusion. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase increased (p < 0.05). Polymorphonuclear cells increased in both segments, although the density was significantly higher in segment IV.
Conclusion:
Clamping of one liver segment in pigs is a simple, stable and reproducible model to study IRI with minimal systemic effects. MD revealed no signs of anaerobic metabolism in the perfused segment but still there was an increase in the number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in this segment, although it was lower than that in the ischemic segment.
Insights
This study establishes a simple porcine liver model for studying ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI). Microdialysis revealed localized metabolic changes and inflammation, even in non-ischemic segments.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Surgical Research
- Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Background:
- Rodent models are common for studying liver ischemia and reperfusion injuries (IRI).
- Protocols for segmental liver ischemia in porcine models are lacking.
- Microdialysis (MD) offers in vivo local effect monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a porcine model for segmental liver ischemia.
- To investigate local metabolic and inflammatory responses during liver IRI using microdialysis.
Main Methods:
- Eight pigs underwent microdialysis catheter placement in liver segments IV and V.
- Segment IV liver circulation was occluded for 80 minutes, followed by 240 minutes of reperfusion.
- Metabolite levels (lactate, glycerol, glucose, pyruvate) and cellular changes were monitored.
Main Results:
- Ischemia significantly increased lactate, glycerol, and glucose, while decreasing pyruvate in the affected segment.
- Metabolite levels normalized post-reperfusion.
- Serum aspartate aminotransferase increased, and polymorphonuclear cells elevated in both segments, with higher density in the ischemic area.
Conclusions:
- Segmental liver clamping in pigs provides a reproducible model for IRI research with minimal systemic impact.
- Microdialysis detected localized inflammation in non-ischemic liver segments, despite no signs of anaerobic metabolism.
