Liver transplantation in animal model with transgenic pig ’ s liver

Introduction: In this paper our own experience concerning the animal model of orthotopic liver transplantation is presented. Material and methods: Twenty seven liver transplantations (pig-to-pig) were performed, including 9 cases of transgenic animal transplantation. In the transgenesis, the human a-(1, 2)-fucosyltransferase gene was implemented. After transplantation the clinical conditions of the transplanted animals were followed and pathological studies of the transplanted livers were conducted. To prove the influence of the performed transgenesis, additionally, the human blood extracorporeal perfusion model of the transgenic animal liver was also proposed. Results: According to the study’s results, the implementation of transgenesis did not result in immunological reaction changes in the pig to pig animal model. However, a limited influence on xenoantibodyrelated rejection reaction in the pig liver perfusion model was observed. Conclusions: Thus, the results highlight the necessity of further studies as currently, there are no data confirming the possibility to use such transgenic animal organs for liver xenotransplantation.

[1]  D. Bartlett,et al.  Xenotransplantation: still a bridge too far? , 2010, Transplantation.

[2]  H. Tai,et al.  An in vitro model of pig liver xenotransplantation—pig complement is associated with reduced lysis of wild‐type and genetically modified pig cells , 2010, Xenotransplantation.

[3]  C. Burlak,et al.  The fate of human platelets perfused through the pig liver: implications for xenotransplantation , 2010, Xenotransplantation.

[4]  D. Cooper,et al.  Pig Liver Xenotransplantation as a Bridge to Allotransplantation: Which Patients Might Benefit? , 2009, Transplantation.

[5]  A. Poncelet,et al.  Cellular xenotransplantation , 2009, Current opinion in organ transplantation.

[6]  S. Strom,et al.  Hepatocyte transplantation: new possibilities for therapy. , 2003, Gastroenterology.

[7]  J. Platt,et al.  Xenotransplantation of the liver. , 2000, Clinics in liver disease.

[8]  J. Vacanti,et al.  Alternatives to liver transplantation: from hepatocyte transplantation to tissue-engineered organs. , 2000, Gastroenterology.

[9]  T. Starzl,et al.  The Mystique of Hepatic Tolerogenicity , 2000, Seminars in liver disease.

[10]  J. Ijzermans,et al.  Extracorporeal perfusion for the treatment of acute liver failure. , 2000, Annals of surgery.

[11]  T. Starzl,et al.  Clinical Trials and Projected Future of Liver Xenotransplantation , 1997, World Journal of Surgery.

[12]  L. Flendrig,et al.  Possible Immunological Problems of Bioartificial Liver Support , 1997, The International journal of artificial organs.

[13]  K. Boudjema,et al.  The pig as a model in liver xenotransplantation. , 1997, Veterinary research.

[14]  D. Cooper,et al.  Clinical xenotransplantation: past, present and future. , 1997, Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

[15]  N. Perico,et al.  Xenotransplantation: problems and prospects. , 1997, Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association.

[16]  C. Hammer.  Immunosuppression in xenotransplantation. , 1996, Transplantation Proceedings.

[17]  J. C. Gerlach,et al.  Consideration of Potential Immunological Problems in the Application of Xenogenic Hybrid Liver Support , 1996, The International journal of artificial organs.

[18]  J. Platt,et al.  Reduction in the level of Gal(alpha1,3)Gal in transgenic mice and pigs by the expression of an alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase. , 1996, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

[19]  T. Starzl,et al.  Prospects of clinical xenotransplantation. , 1994, Transplantation proceedings.

[20]  J. Pena,et al.  Hepatic allografts and xenografts in primates. , 1970, Lancet.