Alterations of hepatic function and histology in brain death pigs

Abstract

Objective To observe how brain death affects the hepatic morphology and function of pigs and explore the roles of NF-κB. Methods Under general anaesthesia twelve healthy pigs were allocated randomly to two groups:control group(6 pigs),with non-inflacted Foley balloon catheter placed in the cerebral ventricle for 24 h,and brain death group,6 pigs,with estabhshment of brain death for 24 h.The serum and hepatic tissues in the same locus were taken at 6 h,12 h,and 24 h after the initial conformation of brain death.AST and ALT were determined by automatic biochemistry analyzer.IL-1βwas determined by ELISA.The NF-κB mRNA was determined by Real-time PCR and the NF-κB p65 by immunohistochemistry. Results The AST,ALT,IL-1β in serum,the NF-κB mRNA and the NF-κB p65 in hepatic tissues in brain death group were higher than those in control group and they all increased with the time(P<0.05).In brain death group,hepatocytes were edematous lightly after 12 hours,and the swelling progressively deteriorated after 24 hours,but there were no necrosis. Conclusion The activated NF-κB by brain death promoted the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators,resulting in the hepatic dysfunction. Key words: Brain death; NF-kappa B; Liver function tests; Swine