TIPS reduces hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor concentration in healthy pigs.
OBJECTIVE
Technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid galactosyl human serum albumin (TcGSA), a new agent for liver scintigraphy, is selectively attached to asialoglycoprotein receptors on liver cell membranes. A direct correlation exists between asialoglycoprotein receptor concentration, [R]o and hepatic functional reserve. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) on hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor concentration in pigs without liver parenchymal disease.


METHODS
TIPS was performed in eight pigs with use of a single 10-mm-wide x 68-mm-long Wallstent dilated to 10 mm. TcGSA dynamic imaging studies were performed before and twice after (7 and 14 days) TIPS. To be included in the study, pigs had to have a patent TIPS at 1 week of follow-up. Liver function tests were drawn parallel to the TcGSA studies. Liver biopsies were performed at 2 weeks when the animals were killed.


RESULTS
Five of the eight pigs had open shunts at 1 week and were included in the study. There was a significant (P < .0001, Student t test) difference between the mean [R]o of the pre-TIPS studies ([R]o = 1.12+/-0.04 microM) and the mean of the post-TIPS studies at 7 days ([R]o = 0.40+/-0.04 microM) and 14 days ([R]o = 0.51+/-0.06 microM, P < .01). The only blood test that was abnormal after TIPS was ammonia (mean, 129.0+/-42.7). Liver biopsies were normal.


CONCLUSIONS
TIPS reduces asialoglycoprotein receptor concentration in normal pigs.
Stein
M
M
Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento 95817, USA. mstein@ucdmc.edu
Vera
D R
DR
Stadalnik
R C
RC
D000818:Animals; D037263:Asialoglycoprotein Receptor; D001212:Asialoglycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D015607:Stents; D013552:Swine; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate
D037263:Asialoglycoprotein Receptor; D001212:Asialoglycoproteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; C070561:technetium Tc 99m DTPA-galactosyl-human serum albumin; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate