NIM811, a Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Inhibitor, Prevents Mitochondrial Depolarization in Small-for-Size Rat Liver Grafts

ATP decreases markedly in small-for-size liver grafts. This study tested if the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) underlies dysfunction of small-for-size livers. Half-size livers were implanted into recipients of about twice the donor weight, resulting in quarter-size liver grafts. NIM811 (5 μM), a nonimmunosuppressive MPT inhibitor was added to the storage solutions. Mitochondrial polarization and cell death were assessed by confocal microscopy of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) and propidium iodide (PI), respectively. After quarter-size transplantation, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum bilirubin and necrosis all increased. NIM811 blocked these increases by >70%. After 38 h, BrdU labeling, a marker of cell proliferation and graft weight increase were 3% and 5%, respectively, which NIM811 increased to 30% and 42%. NIM811 also increased survival of quarter-size grafts. In sham-operated livers, hepatocytes exhibited punctate Rh123 fluorescence. By contrast, in quarter-size grafts at 18 h after implantation, mitochondria of most hepatocytes did not take up Rh123, indicating mitochondrial depolarization. Nearly all hepatocytes not taking up Rh123 continued to exclude PI at 18 h, indicating that depolarization preceded cell death. NIM811 and free radical-scavenging polyphenols strongly attenuated mitochondrial depolarization. In conclusion, mitochondria depolarized after quarter-size liver transplantation. NIM811 decreased injury and stimulated regeneration, probably by inhibiting free radical-dependent MPT onset.