Liver damage during ischemia/reperfusion and glutathione: implications for potential organ donors

A significant decrease in GSH levels was observed in isolated hepatocytes obtained from hyperthyroid rats compared with those from euthyroid rats. In contrast, administration of the antithyroid drug PTU increased liver concentrations of GSH at the end of reperfusion thereby improving liver function after cold storage. These results may yield new protective strategies in the management of brain-dead organ donors.