Lipo-PGE₁, prostaglandin E₁ incorporated in lipid microspheres, protects injury of the liver caused by warm ischemia reperfusion

Effects of Lipo-PGE₁, prostaglandin E₁ incorporated in lipid microspheres on liver injury caused by ischemia reperfusion were investigated. Lipo-PGE₁ (10 μg/kg or 3 μg/kg) or vehicle was gradually injected twice via portal vein 5 min prior to induction of ischemia and reperfusion. Rats died within 2 d after liver ischemia of 90 min from the group receiving injection of vehicle alone. Lipo-PGE₁ had its most profound effect on the survival of animals subjected to liver ischemia followed by reperfusion when given in two doses, one prior to ischemia, and another prior to reperfusion. Lipo-PGE₁ markedly suppressed both the increases in plasma PCOOH (phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide) levels and the leakage of GOT, GPT, and LDH from the liver during the ischemia reperfusion. These findings suggest that Lipo-PGE₁ may have therapeutic applications in treatment of hepatic injury.