title: [Reevaluation of protective effects of alprostadil on hepatic function in patients undergoing hepatectomy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The protective effect of alprostadil (PGE1), used during hepatectomy, on hepatic function has not been clearly proven. We reevaluated this effect by measuring serum alpha-glutathione S-transferase (aGST), which detects liver injury sensitively.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty hepatocellular carcinoma patients scheduled for hepatectomy were randomly assigned to control (n=12) and PGE1 (n=10) groups. In the latter group, PGE1 was administered intravenously at a rate of 0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) during surgery. For measuring alphaGST, arterial blood samples were obtained before anesthesia, following laparotomy, and immediately, 2, 4, and 6 hrs after liver resection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The alphaGST concentrations after liver resection were significantly higher, while mean arterial pressures were significantly lower in the PGE1 group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that PGE1 medication during hepatectomy cannot protect hepatic function during and after liver resection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki.
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawano
authors.forename: Nobuko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hosokawa
authors.forename: Toyoaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Maruta
authors.forename: Nozomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maruta
authors.forename: Mayumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takasaki
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000097:blood; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D000527:Alprostadil