A simplified experimental model of large-for-size liver transplantation in pigs

Author(s)

Goncalves Leal, Antonio Jose ^{[1, 2]} ; Aoun Tannuri, Ana Cristina ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Belon, Alessandro Rodrigo ^[3] ; Nunes Guimaraes, Raimundo Renato ^{[1, 2]} ; Mendonca Coelho, Maria Cecilia ^{[1, 2]} ; Goncalves, Josiane de Oliveira ^{[1, 2]} ; Sokol, Suellen Serafini ^{[1, 2]} ; De Melo, Evandro Sobroza ^[4] ; Otoch, Jose Pinhata ^[3] ; Tannuri, Uenis ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Div Pediat Surg, Pediat Liver Transplantat Unit, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Div Pediat Surg, Lab Res Pediat Surg LIM 30, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Surg Tech & Expt Surg, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Liver Funct Res Lab LIM 14, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Clinics; v. 68, n. 8, p. 1152-1156, 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The ideal ratio between liver graft mass and recipient body weight for liver transplantation in small infants is unknown; however, if this ratio is over 4%, a condition called large-for-size may occur. Experimental models of large-for-size liver transplants have not been described in the literature. In addition, orthotopic liver transplantation is marked by high morbidity and mortality rates in animals due to the clamping of the venous splanchnic system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to create a porcine model of large-for-size liver transplantation with clamping of the supraceliac aorta during the anhepatic phase as an alternative to venovenous bypass. METHOD: Fourteen pigs underwent liver transplantation with whole-liver grafts without venovenous bypass and were divided into two experimental groups: the control group, in which the weights of the donors were similar to the weights of the recipients; and the large-for-size group, in which the weights of the donors were nearly 2 times the weights of the recipients. Hemodynamic data, the results of serum biochemical analyses and histological examination of the transplanted livers were collected. RESULTS: The mortality rate in both groups was 16.5% (1/7). The animals in the large-for-size group had increased serum levels of potassium, sodium, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase after graft reperfusion. The histological analyses revealed that there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: This transplant method is a feasible experimental model of large-for-size liver transplantation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/12550-0 - Experimental model of liver transplantation large-for-size in growing animals: morphometric, histological and molecular studies
• Grantee: Uenis Tannuri
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants