Protective effect of fibronectin in temporary liver ischemia: an experimental study

Only 50% of rabbits survive 90 min hepatic ischemia in spite of decompression of the gut. The remainder die within 36 h after operation. A single application of fibronectin before hepatic ischemia delays death for only a few hours. However, three postischemic applications of fibronectin--immediately after operation and 5 h and 24 h later--are associated with a statistically significant rise in the survival rate. Analysis of the transaminases indicates that fibronectin obviously limits the extent of ischemic liver cell necrosis. Of major significance is the fact that fibronectin supplement enables the RES of the liver to improve its phagocytic capacity, as shown by the RES clearance test. The presented experimental model shows that the liver with its RES, located between the splanchnic and the systemic circulation, is of particular significance for the entire organism. Hepatic ischemia or shock, independent of the initial cause, leads to significant reduction of hepatic phagocytosis. The results indicate that substitution of opsonins supports the phagocytic capacity.