Effects of mixed ETA and ETB-receptor antagonist (Ro-47-0203) on hepatic microcirculation after warm ischemia

There is evidence that endothelin (ET) is involved in disturbances of the hepatic microcirculation after warm ischemia. In this study we investigated the influence of a mixed ETA-, ETB-receptor antagonist (Bosentan) on ischemia-reperfusion damage of the liver by means of intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVM). Clamping of the left liver lobe (= warm ischemia) was performed in 16 male Wistar rats for 70 min. The treatment group (N = 8) received 15 mg/kg Bosentan (Ro-47-0203) 1 min prior to reperfusion. Controls (N = 8) received an equivalent amount of Ringer's solution. Between 20 and 90 min after reperfusion, leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules as well as perfusion of hepatic acini were studied. Application of Bosentan improved sinusoidal blood flow, attenuated manifestations of microvascular perfusion failure, and decreased the number of rolling leukocytes in postsinusoidal venules. Our results provide further evidence that ET is involved in postischemic impairment of hepatic microhemodynamics during reperfusion.