The autologous normothermic ex vivo perfused porcine liver-kidney model: improving the circuit's biochemical and acid-base environment.

BACKGROUND

The ex vivo porcine liver perfused model isolates the organ from extrinsic regulatory mechanisms, facilitating an improved understanding of the organ physiology and reaction to various conditions. We have assessed the influence of the addition of a porcine kidney to the circuit.

METHODS

Eight livers were harvested and perfused for 6 hours. In 5 additional experiments a kidney also was connected in parallel. Hourly arterial blood gases were collected to analyze glucose, acid base, and renal parameters. The primary end point was an evaluation of the influence of the kidney on glucose, pH, and electrolyte levels.

RESULTS

In the combined porcine liver-kidney circuit all the parameters significantly improved compared with the liver circuit alone. This was particularly evident for glucose values because normoglycemia was reached by the end of the perfusion, and for pH and electrolyte values that were maintained at initial levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of a porcine kidney to the perfusion circuit improves the biochemical milieu. This might produce more consistent and reliable results, particularly during studies requiring a steady-state environment.