Enzyme release from injured, preserved, and ex vivo reperfused liver does not indicate malfunction

Objective. We compared the enzyme release from preserved and ex vivo reperfused livers after acute injury or inflammatory stimulus with organ function. Methods. Acute injury was induced by carbon tetrachloride and inflammation was induced by turpentine oil treatments. Livers were exsanguinated and preserved for 8 or 24 hr. Enzymes were measured in preservation and reperfusion solutions, and reperfused liver function was evaluated by O-2 consumption and bromsulphalein clearance. Results. The release of lysosomal enzymes was negligible in the preservation solution, and that of alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase was similar in all groups. Release of aspartate aminotransferase and of EC 3.4.24.15 was more than that of the controls. During reperfusion liver function was normal in the injured group. Conclusion. Release of enzymes, mainly aspartate aminotransferase and EC 3.4.24.15, into the preservation solution is a sensitive and early indicator of either inflammatory or acute injury alterations of the preserved liver, but does not reflect organ malfunction.