Objective:
To study the alternation of nitric oxide(NO)/endothelin(ET) ratio in early stage of liver transplantation in rats, to investigate its correlation with liver function, and to observe the effect of prostaglandin E1(PGE1) on the graft function. Methods:Wister rats randomly divided into 4 group (n=8 in each group):(1)Normal control group(group A);(2)Operative control group (group B);(3)Experimental group(group C);(4)PEG1 treatment group (group D).Orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT) model was set up by "two-cuff" method.ALT, AST, NO and ET level in blood and histological change of liver graft were detected and compared at 6th hour postoperatively. Results: All the rats survived 6h in group B and D(100%),but only 5 survived in group C (62.5%). Comparing with group C, ALT, AST and ET decreased and NO increased significantly (P<0.05) in group D. The levels of NO and ET, and NO/ET ratio were correlated with ALT closely (r=-0.681,0.793 and -0.732 respectively). Obviously histological injury was observed in group C, while morphological appearance was better preserved in group B and D. Conclusions:Concentration of NO, ET and NO/ET ratio in recipient blood more conrrectly reflect the function of sinusoid endothelial cell of the graft. PGE1 can relieves endothelial injury and maintains the function of liver graft.