A technique for orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat.

Abstract

SUMMARY This report describes in detail the technique of orthotopic liver transplantation in syngeneic rats which are relatively inexpensive and readily available. We also report the long-term survival and function of these grafts. The technique involves the use of a miniaturized extracorporeal portal to jugular shunt. The donor liver is perfused and cooled. Implantation is accomplished using standard microvascular suture techniques. Successful orthotopic liver transplants were performed in 47 of 64 rats. Long-term survival up to 14 months was achieved in seven animals. Liver function was measured by serial determination of bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase. Elevations in bilirubin and SGOT in the immediate postoperative period returned to normal by the second postoperative week. Marked variations were seen in alkaline phosphatase values, and there was slow return to normal levels. Open liver biopsies were performed on long-term survivors at 3, 5, and 7 months and revealed essentially normal liver parenchyma, with slight mononuclear infiltration of the portal spaces and some sinusoidal dilatation. The practicability of the transplant and organ preservation, and the advantages of using the inbred rat as the experimental animal are discussed.