Objective  To investigate the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in Isoflurane against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo.   Methods  Thirty-two female SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham-operation group (A)

I/R group (B)

Isoflurane group (C)

I/R+ Isoflurane group (D). Groups A and C were be used as controls. In groups B and C

the hepatic hilar vessels distributing to the left and median lobes were clamped to induce partial hepatic ischemia (70%). Reperfusion was done 60 min after hepatic ischemia. The animals were killed 3 h after reperfusion

then the specimens of liver tissues and blood were obtained. ALT and AST in blood serum were detected as liver damage markers. The histological examination of liver tissues was done by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of ICAM-1 protein in the hepatic tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry.    Results After hepatic ischemia-reperfusion

the ICAM-1  protein expression in the hepatic tissues increased; ALT and AST increased; Reperfusion induced severe liver damage. Isoflurane significantly inhibited the ICAM-1 expression.   Conclusion The degree of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is closely associated with the expression level of ICAM-1. Isoflurane abates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and inhibits the ICAM-1 expression.