Abstract

Objective: We investigated soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) concentration in extrahepatic cholestatis and the effect of dexamethasone on this parameter.

Methods: Thirty rabbits were divided into 3 groups of 10. In the sham control group, the rabbits underwent laparotomy. In the other 2 groups, the rabbits had common biliary duct ligation. In the study group, dexamethasone was injected, and in the control group, isotonic saline solution was injected im for 10 days. All rabbits had relaparotomy at the end of the 10th day. Serum sICAM-1, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), total bilirubin (T. Bil.) and direct bilirubin (D. Bil.) values were investigated before the laparotomy and during the relaparatomy.

Results: In the sham control, control and study groups, sICAM-1 values obtained preoperatively were 12.60±2.22 ng/mL, 11.80±2.39 ng/mL and 11.00±2.40 ng/mL, and those obtained postoperatively were 16.05±10.51 ng/mL, 38.05±10.16 ng/mL, 29.10±7.46 ng/mL, respectively. Preoperative values of the groups were not different from each other. Postoperative values of control and study groups were higher than preoperative values of all groups and postoperative values of sham control group. Postoperative sICAM-1 and T. Bil. values of study group were significantly lower than those of control group (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion: sICAM-1 values are increased in extrahepatic cholestasis and dexamethasone decreases the increased levels.