Effects of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Monitoring Hepatic Microcirculation After Rat Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in monitoring microcirculation after rat liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 36) were divided into sham-operated and ischemia-reperfusion groups. Rats in the ischemia-reperfusion groups underwent normothermic liver ischemia for 15 minutes followed by 1, 6, or 24 hours of reperfusion. At different time points, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed to determine peak intensity in monitoring hepatic microcirculation. In addition, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 1β levels were measured. Histopathologic changes were also observed.

RESULTS: One hour after reperfusion, peak intensity values decreased, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 1β increased significantly in the ischemia-reperfusion group compared with the sham-operated group. Histology results showed mild injury. Six hours after reperfusion, peak intensity values decreased continuously, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 1β decreased, and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased. Histology results showed severe injury compared with 1 hour after reperfusion. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, peak intensity values increased, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels decreased, and histology results showed moderate injury compared with 6 hours after reperfusion. Peak intensity values were negatively correlated to alanine aminotransferase (P < .05; γ = -0.38) and aspartate aminotransferase (P < .01; γ = -0.78) levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Microcirculation dysfunction after liver ischemia-reperfusion injury can be monitored by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. The perfusion of contrast agents negatively correlates to the severity of injuries.