Heterologous liver perfusion a comparison of the use of livers from four different species

Abstract

Isolated perfusion of livers from calves, pigs, and lambs with human blood resulted in thrombocytopenia within 30 minutes of the establishment of the circuit. No rebound of platelet levels was noted during a further 3 1/2 hours of perfusion. The levels of total complement and the heterophile antibody titres dropped during the same time in all the experiments. Levels of lymphocytotoxic and leuco-agglutinating antibodies decreased in blood perfusing lamb and pig livers but these were not measured in the calf-liver perfusions. In contrast, isolated perfusion of livers from baboons with human blood did not provoke significant thrombocytopenia and the results of perfusion were similar to those noted in homologous perfusions of the pig liver with pig blood. There were no differences in platelt levels using livers from baboons with blood groups either compatible or incompatible with the human blood. Complement levels and heterophile antibody titres did not drop and no lymphocytotoxic or leuco-agglutinating antibodies were detectable in human blood against baboon cells. Measurement of electrolytes, glucose, aspartate transaminase, plasma haemoglobin, and lactate and ammonia clearance showed no significant difference in perfusions of the baboon liver when compared with perfusion of the pig liver with pig blood. Based on these results, clinical hepatic assist procedures in this hospital will in future only be performed with livers from baboons. These animals will be kept in isolation for a period of virological study in order to minimize the hazard of virus transmission to the patient of personnel.