Immunopathological observations after xenogeneic liver perfusions using donor pigs transgenic for human decay-accelerating factor.

BACKGROUND

Donor pigs transgenic for human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF) were used in a xenogeneic ex vivo liver perfusion model to study the effect of this modification on the development of hyperacute rejection.

METHODS

Three transgenic pigs were hepatectomized after hypothermic portal and transaortal gravity perfusion. Livers from six nontransgenic pigs served as controls. All livers were perfused for 3 hr with human blood from two donors diluted to a hematocrit of 30%. Particular importance was placed on the use of an optimal perfusion technique incorporating the floating suspension of the organs in a waterbath and intermittent external pressurization. Biochemical, physiological, and immunological parameters were assessed. Tissue specimens taken before and after perfusion were analyzed using routine histology, electron microscopy, and immunohistology.

RESULTS

Complement activation was more pronounced in the control group. AP50 and CH50 values fell to about 60% of the initial levels in control experiments, whereas they remained at 80% of the initial levels during perfusion of hDAF livers. After 180 min, pig tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were 7862+/-1645 pg/ml for unmodified livers and 2830+/-734 pg/ml in the hDAF group. Human tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were similar in both groups. Control livers showed marked morphological alterations and distinct deposition of complement factors, whereas livers expressing hDAF showed no signs of hepatocellular necrosis and almost no complement deposition beyond C3 activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that the transgenic expression of the human complement regulatory protein hDAF reduces complement activation and prevents hyperacute rejection in a xenogeneic liver perfusion model over the 3-hr evaluation period used in this study.