Effects of Amantadine on Liver and Lung Tissue in Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Abstract

Background: N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockers have been shown to have protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in various tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of amantadine on liver and lung tissue in hepatic I/R injury.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats divided into 4 groups: the Sham Group (S), the Amantadine Group (A), the I/R Group (I/R) and the I/R + Amantadine Group (I/R-A). In Group A and Group I/R-A, 45 mg/kg of amantadine was administered before surgery. In Group I/R and Group I/R-A, an atraumatic vascular clamp was applied to the structures in the left portal triad for 45 minutes and reperfusion period was 2 hours after declampage. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme levels were were studied in liver and lung tissues. Additionally tissues were examined histopathologically.

Results: No significant difference was observed in tissue MDA, SOD, and CAT levels among four groups (p >0.05). Polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and the scores of hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, pycnotic core, and necrosis cell were significantly higher in Group I/R than other groups (p<0.05). Regarding to the lung tissue, the neutrophil/lymphocyte infiltration score was significantly lower in Group S and A than in Group I/R (respectively; p= 0.007, 0.011), and it was significantly higher in Group I/R-A than in Group S (p = 0.014). The alveolar wall thickening score was significantly higher in Group I/R than the other groups (p <0.0001).

Conclusion: Amantadine may have a protective effect against I/R damage, as it reduces histopathological changes caused by I/R damage.