The effect of cyclosporine on hepatic ischemia was investigated. Hepatic ischemia was produced for 90 min in mongrel dogs. Experimental dogs were divided into three groups as follows: group A (control group), group B (CsA pretreatment group), group C (CsA posttreatment group). CsA was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight/day for 3 days in the pre- or postoperative period. Survival rates were 61.5% in group A, 84.6% in group B, and 30.8% in group C. Enzymatic activity such as aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase was highest in group C, lowest in group B, and intermediate in group A. Opposite results were obtained for serum albumin concentrations. The mechanisms of the effect was investigated using a 60-min hepatic ischemia model. Serum levels of beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase in group B were lower than those in group A and group C. Electronmicroscopic specimens taken at 16 h after 60-min hepatic ischemia demonstrated that the extent of ischemic injury was mildest in group B. The present study demonstrated a beneficial effect on hepatic ischemia of CsA administered for 3 days prior to the ischemia. One of the mechanisms for this beneficial effect could be the stabilization of lysosomal membranes. These results suggest that CsA should be administered to a donor before organ harvesting for liver transplantation because of this beneficial effect.