Anti-apoptotic effect of succinyl gelatine in a liver ischaemia–reperfusion injury model (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3)?

Apoptosis of tissues may contribute to ischaemia–reperfusion injury. The aim of the present study was to determine whether administration of a colloid solution would prevent apoptosis after liver ischaemia–reperfusion. New Zealand rabbits, weighing 1.5–2 kg, were randomized to receive either 4% SG (20 ml kg ⁻¹h⁻¹ ) by 30 min of intravenous (i.v.) infusion (Group I, n= 7) or equivalent volumes of 0.9% sodium chloride (Group II, n= 6) i.v. before a 45 min interruption of the portal vein blood flow and then 45 min of reperfusion. The animals were killed following the reperfusion period. Their livers were processed for histopathological examination and paraffin sections of these tissues were examined. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3 were analysed by immunohistochemistry. ANOVA and the Wilcoxon W -test were used for statistical analysis, and mean values were expressed ±sd. Histologically, the foci of ischaemic necrosis were observed in liver specimens of the periportal area in one of the animals in Group I and in two in Group II. Immunhistochemical analysis demonstrated an increase in Bcl-2 protein levels in Group I compared to Group II ( P< 0.05). Bax expression was lower in Group I than in Group II. Immunoreactivity for caspase 3 did not differ significantly between the two groups (47.0 ± 35.93 in Group I, 32.83 ± 23.63 in Group II). Our results indicate that gelofusine did not protect the liver tissue against ischaemia–reperfusion-induced apoptosis.