Role of the Hepatic Venous Blood as Oxygen Carrier under Liver Ischemia

Abstract

The role of hepatic venous blood as oxygen carrier under hepatic ischemia was investigated in pigs. Thirteen pigs were exposed to inflow occlusion (IO) of the liver for 60 minutes under veno-venous bypass. Oxygen saturation of the hepatic vein (ShvO₂) and the hepatic tissue (ShtO₂) were significantly raised by the oxygenation of the hepatic venous blood with the use of prostaglandin (PG) E₁ during IO. Oxygenation of the hepatic venous blood significantly ameliorated serum GOT level and ICG clearance 120 minutes after reperfusion. Histological examination proved the protective effect of oxygenation of the hepatic venous blood, and sinusoidal endothelial cells were by electron microscopic observation to be preserved. In conclusion, hepatic venous blood has a potential to supply oxygen to the liver under IO, and such oxygen can be utilized in the hepatic tissue.