To observe the effects of brain death on hepatic structure and function in pigs and to assess the role of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB).Twelve healthy pigs were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 6 each: a control group with Foley balloon catheter placement intracalvarium only, and a group with brain death established for 24 hours. Serum and hepatic tissue were obtained at 6, 12, and 24 hours after initial confirmation of brain death. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were determined using automated biochemistry analysis. Interleukin-1β was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The NF-κB messenger RNA was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and NF-κB p65 using immunohistochemistry.Concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and interleukin-1β in serum, and NF-κB messenger RNA and NF-κB p65 in hepatic tissue were higher in the brain-dead group compared with the control group, and all increased over time (P < .05).The NF-κB activated by brain death promotes synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators, resulting in hepatic dysfunction.