【Abstract】ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of genetic modulation of the hepatic graft with IL-10 during liver preservation in rat liver transplantation. MethodsEleven cases of orthotopic liver transplantation were performed in Lewis to BN rats according to the cuff’s technique. All rats were divided into 3 groups,which were control group(n=3), Lipo group(n=4) and Lipo-rIL-10 group(n=4). Lipofectamine 2000-pCR3.1 complex and Lipofectamine 2000-pCR3.1 rIL10 complex were respectively injected into portal vein and kept for 45 minutes to transfect grafts during cold preservation in vitro. All rats were killed on postoperative day 6. Serum samples were collected for decting IL-10 by means ELISA. Transgene expression of rIL-10 was assessed by means of RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. ResultsIn Lipo-rIL-10 group, levels of IL-10 from suprahepatic vena cava were significant higher than those from infrahepatic vena cava (P=0.024), transgene expression of rIL-10 in Lipo-rIL-10 were higher than those of control group and Lipo group assessed by means of RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. ConclusionDuring cold preservation in vitro through portal vein injection to donor liver, liposome mediated gene transfection can successfully achieve local gene expression.