The potential role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the pathogenesis of reperfusion injury was investigated in male Fischer rats subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. ICAM-1 mRNA levels increased during ischemia in the ischemic liver lobes; however, during reperfusion mRNA levels increased in both the ischemic and nonischemic lobes. Immunohistochemical evaluation indicated ICAM-1 expression only on sinusoidal lining cells in controls; ischemia-reperfusion enhanced ICAM-1 expression in the sinusoids and induced some expression on hepatocytes. The monoclonal anti-ICAM-1 antibody 1A29, but not an immunoglobulin G control antibody, administered at 1 h and 8 h of reperfusion (2 mg/kg) significantly attenuated liver injury as indicated by 51% lower plasma alanine aminotransferase activities and 32-36% less hepatic necrosis at 24 h without affecting reactive oxygen formation by Kupffer cells and hepatic neutrophils. Although 1A29 reduced neutrophil extravasation in a glycogen peritonitis by 60%, the antibody had no significant effect on hepatic neutrophil infiltration during reperfusion. These data suggest that ICAM-1 plays a significant role during the neutrophil-dependent injury phase after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion and therefore blocking this adhesion molecule may have therapeutic potential against postischemic acute liver failure.

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