The impact of arterialization on prostanoid generation after liver transplantation in the rat

Arterial reconstruction is not applied in most studies of hepatic transplantation. Differences in some parameters related to the microcirculatory status, depending on whether the graft has been subjected to both arterial and venous or only venous reconstruction have been demonstrated. We have evaluated whether arterialization has an effect on the production of inflammatory event-related mediators such as eicosanoids and oxygen free radicals. For this purpose, we have measured tissue eicosanoid levels, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase activity in livers subjected to arterial and venous or only venous reconstruction. No changes were observed in lipid peroxidation or superoxide dismutase activity when single and double revascularization were compared. Prostacyclin and thromboxane metabolites showed increased levels after 24-hr preservation when only venous reconstruction was carried out. In contrast, these metabolites remained unaltered when double revascularization was performed. This result suggests that eicosanoid metabolism is altered only when venous reconstruction was employed, and this fact can help explain microcirculatory changes reported in this experimental model of liver transplantation.