Expression of ICAM-1 gene in the ischemia-reperfusion liver

AIM: To investigate the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in hepatic sinusoidal cells (HSCs) during liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and its effects. METHODS: Three groups of rabbit livers experiencing ischemia for 15, 30 and 60 minutes respectively, and reperfusion for 60 minutes were conducted. The hepatic ICAM-1 mRNA expression was observed and leukocytes in hepatic sinus were counted. RESULTS: The lower expression of ICAM-1 mRNA showed in HSCs before reperfusion. Besides, leukocyte counts could no change. However, the more expression of ICAM-1 mRNA was found at the point of 60 minutes reperfusion. Furthermore, the higher expression of ICAM-1 mRNA showed in the more prolonged ischemic liver. Meanwhile, there was significant positive correlation between ICAM-1 mRNA contents and leukocyte counts. CONCLUSION: The high ICAM-1 mRNA expression induced by hepatic ischemia in HSCs increased adherence of HSCs and sequestrated more leukocytes in liver.