Ischemic preconditioning protects from hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-injury by preservation of microcirculation and mitochondrial redox-state

Background/Aims: Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is known to protect hepatic tissue from ischemia–reperfusion injury. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood yet. Methods: Using intravital multifluorescence microscopy in the rat liver, we studied whether IP exerts its beneficial effect by modulating postischemic Kupffer cell activation, leukocyte–endothelial cell interaction, microvascular no-reflow, mitochondrial redox state, and, thus, tissue oxygenation. Results: Portal triad cross-clamping (45 min) followed by reperfusion induced Kupffer cell activation, microvascular leukocyte adherence, sinusoidal perfusion failure (no-reflow) and alteration of mitochondrial redox state (tissue hypoxia) ( P