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Researchers studied a selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist for its potential influence on the microcirculation in the setting of partial liver transplantation. Ninetyeight isogeneic Lewis rats were divided into 4 groups: (I) partial liver transplantation, (II) partial liver transplantation treated with the Darusentan immediately before reperfusion, (III) full-size liver transplantation, (IV) sham operation. Subsequently, the liver microcirculation was evaluated by intravital microscopy, and survival, liver function, and morphology were followed up to the 14th day. Compared with full-size transplanted animals, rats subjected to partial liver transplantation without Darusentan, group (I), showed a lower survival rate. These animals displayed severe microcirculatory lesions characterized by a significantly decreased perfusion rate, increased leukocyte velocity, and increased leukocyte adhesion. Disintegration of endothelium and increased recruitment of Kupffer cells were a frequent morphologic finding. The Darusentan-treated group (II) showed improved survival as well as improved parameters of microcirculatory function and morphology.