Effects of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Monitoring Hepatic Microcirculation After Rat Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in monitoring microcirculation after rat liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 36) were divided into sham-operated and ischemia-reperfusion groups. Rats in the ischemia-reperfusion groups underwent normothermic liver ischemia for 15 minutes followed by 1, 6, or 24 hours of reperfusion. At different time points, contrast-enhanced ultra-sonography was performed to determine peak intensity in monitoring hepatic microcirculation. In addition, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin 1 beta levels were measured. Histo-pathologic changes were also observed. Results: One hour after reperfusion, peak intensity values decreased, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin 1 beta increased significantly in the ischemia-reperfusion group compared with the sham-operated group. Histology results showed mild injury. Six hours after reperfusion, peak intensity values decreased continuously, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 1 beta decreased, and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased. Histology results showed severe injury compared with 1 hour after reperfusion. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, peak intensity values increased, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels decreased, and histology results showed moderate injury compared with 6 hours after reperfusion. Peak intensity values were negatively correlated to alanine aminotransferase (P < .05; gamma = -0.38) and aspartate aminotransferase (P < .01; gamma = -0.78) levels. Conclusions: Microcirculation dysfunction after liver ischemia-reperfusion injury can be monitored by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. The perfusion of contrast agents negatively correlates to the severity of injuries.