Neutrophil and macrophage activation and anaphylatoxin formation in orthotopic liver transplantation without the use of veno-venous bypass.
BACKGROUND
Activation of neutrophils and activation of complement may be an aetiologic factor behind circulatory insufficiency in association with reperfusion of the grafted liver.


METHODS
Neutrophil and macrophage activation (determined as PMN elastase and neopterin release) and complement activation were evaluated in 15 consecutive patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation without the use of veno-venous bypass.


RESULTS
The PMN elastase concentrations were increased at the end of the anhepatic phase, 2, 5 and 30 min after start of reperfusion and 6 and 24 h postoperatively. There were significantly higher PMN elastase concentrations in patients with circulatory instability (postreperfusion syndrome) compared with those without postreperfusion syndrome. The neopterin concentration was increased 2 min after the start of reperfusion and remained elevated until 6 h postoperatively. The plasma complement C3a concentrations were increased at the end of the anhepatic phase and 2, 5 and 30 min after the start of reperfusion. The plasma C3a levels were higher in patients with postreperfusion syndrome compared to those without.


CONCLUSIONS
Activation of neutrophils and macrophages and of the complement cascade with the formation of biologically active substances may be one explanation for the circulatory instability often seen in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation.
Tomasdottir
H
H
Department of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Sahlgren University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Bengtson
J P
JP
Bengtsson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000706:Anaphylatoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D001708:Biopterins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D003167:Complement Activation; D015926:Complement C3a / Q000032:analysis; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008875:Middle Aged; D019798:Neopterin; D018375:Neutrophil Activation; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000097:blood
D000706:Anaphylatoxins; D001708:Biopterins; D019798:Neopterin; D015926:Complement C3a; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase