Immunological results of hepatic assistance procedures

Abstract

Hemodynamic and immunological effects were studied in eight normal calves during and after “hepatic assist” with a pig liver. Use of an oxygenator in the circuit allowed control of the rate of perfusion of the liver and using this system no hypotension or metabolic acidosis was observed in the recipient. Porcine protein was present in the sera of six surviving calves up to 14 days after perfusion. No antibodies to this protein were demonstrated either by immunodiffusion or by tanned red cell agglutination. Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis did not occur when the calves were challenged intravenously with poreine protein and pig liver extract 3 weeks after the initial perfusion. No antibodies were demonstrated in the calf either as a primary response to circulating pig antigen or as a secondary response to a challenge with porcine protein or pig liver extract. Possible reasons for these findings and their significance are discussed.