Perfusion of the isolated pig liver functional assessment under control normothermic conditions

Abstract

A study of the isolated perfused pig liver has been made to assess function for hepatic assist and to provide baseline values for altering techniques in liver storage. In 23 analogous perfusions lasting 6 hours, pre- and post-perfusion tests of liver function were compared. These results suggest that during the perfusion period, cell-membrane integrity was maintained and that oxidative metabolism including gluconeogenesis was unimpaired. A rise in aspartate transaminase indicated some cellular damage and the fall in bile production was ascribed to altered solute load. Preliminary results from the J. S. Marais Surgical Laboratory suggest that there is good correlation between the biochemical assessment of liver vialbility and the capacity of the perfused liver to support life after transplantation into another animal. At this time, the latter procedure remains the ultimate test of liver function after perfusion.