Improvement of hepatic microcirculation by ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion model in rat

The protective effect of a specific ROCK/Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, on hepatic microcirculatory disturbance was investigated by using intravital microscopy. In Sprague-Dawley rats, normothermic ischemia was induced by clamping the hepatic pedicle to the left and median lobe for 90 min, followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Y-27632 significantly improved sinusoidal perfusion rate and reduced the number of leukocytes sticking in hepatic sinusoids and adhering in postsinusoidal venules. The postischemic decrease in the diameter of postsinusoidal venules and sinusoids was also significantly suppressed. The improvement of hepatic microcirculation led to a reduction of postischemic serum liver enzyme release. Our results indicate Y-27632 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury.