Objective: This article describes conditions of ischemia and reperfusion in dog's liver. The aim of the study was to observe hepatic injury from oxygen free radicals and to evaluate mannitol and ascorbic acid as scavengers.
Methods: The criteria for evaluation were histopathological and biochemical. Twenty-one dogs were divided into three equal groups: group A with 90 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion, and groups B and C with 120 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion. In treatment group C, before the ischemia, mannitol and ascorbic acid were injected.
Results: Differences were significant for malondialdehyde in A and B group postischemia (p < 0.001). In group C, a significant difference (p < 0.091) was not observed. The histopathological examination revealed fatty degeneration, alterations of mitochondrial structure, and membranic cysts. In group C, the alterations were considerably milder.
Conclusions: We can suggest the use of ascorbic acid and mannitol at the clinical level for scavenging and inhibition of oxygen free radicals in ischemic liver.