Effect of N-desulfated heparin on hepatic/renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of N-desulfated heparin on hepatic/renal ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: Using rat models of 60 minutes hepatic or renal ischemia followed by 1 h,3 h,6 h and 24 h reperfusion,animals were randomly divided into following groups,the sham operated controls, ischemic group receiving only normal saline,and treated group receiving N-desulfated heparin at a dose of 12 mg/kg at 5 minutes before reperfusion. P-selectin expression was detected in hepatic/renal tissues with immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: P-selectin expression, serum ALT, AST, BUN and Cr levels were significantly increased during 60 minute ischemia and 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h reperfusion,while the increment was significantly inhibited,and hepatic/renal pathology observed by light microscopy was remarkably improved by treatment with the N-desulfated heparin. Furthermore,the heparin was found no effects on PT and KPTT. CONCLUSION: P-selectin might mediate neutrophil infiltration and contribute to hepatic/renal ischemia and reperfusion. The N-desulfated heparin might prevent hepatic/renal damage induced by ischemia and reperfusion injury without significant anticoagulant activity.