DNA and Protein Metabolism After Liver Autotransplantation

liver protein Metabolism transplantation Authors’ address: S. K. Tamvakopoulos, M. D.; H. T. Randall, M. D. and J. Van-Lancker, M. D., Division of Surgical Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02902 (USA). Technique Materials Methods Heterotopic liver autotransplantation is carried out to the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen [13, 14, 15] in Albino-Sprague-Dawley rats of 150–200 g each, in two stages. In the first stage, adhesions were created between the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen and the inferior surface of the left lobe of the liver, in order to create collateral circulation from the spleen to the liver. The liver, usually the edge of the left lobe, is attached with two 2–0 chromic catgut stitches to the spleen, and then a capsulectomy is performed over the opposing surfaces of both organs. In order to provide bile drainage in the piece of liver to be transplanted and prevent pressure atrophy due to proliferation of bile canaliculi, catheterization of the main bile duct of the autotransplant is accomplished with a fine polyethylene tube directed through the common duct. In a second stage, three weeks later, the portion of liver to be auto-transplanted, usually a part of the left lobe of about 3–5 g, is separated with scissors and left attached to the splenic bed. A partial hepatectomy may be performed at the same time in order to stimulate liver regeneration and ascertain the effect of a humoral factor [10, 11]. Histological examinations are carried out monthly. Glucose-6-phosphatase [8] levels of protein [6] and DNA content [6] are determined in tissue homogenates. Attempts of liver autotransplantation date back to 1895. CAMERON [1] credits Allessandri as the first, who tried to evaluate whether liver autografts survive and function. Tamvakopoulos/Randall/VanLancker 259 Free grafting in one stage or grafting in two stages, dividing the original blood supply, following establishment of collateral circulation, have been employed since then, but results have generally been disappointing. The ultimate fate of liver grafts, placed in the anterior chamber of the eye, mesotestis, peritoneum, subcutaneous tissue, etc. has been atrophy and degeneration, secondary to lack of blood supply and to pressure necrosis, due to proliferation of bile ducts following transplantation [2, 3, 4, 5,7,9,12].