Transplantation of hepatocytes: elimination of recipient natural killer cells with irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution prevent early graft dysfunction.
Transplanted isolated syngeneic and allogeneic hepatocytes rapidly disintegrate, irrespective of the origin or the site of engraftment namely spleen, liver, portal vein, peritoneum, or subcutaneous tissues. Although various methods have been applied to attenuate this reaction, none have been found effective. We applied a combined protocol consisting of administration of anti-asialoGM1 antiserum (eliminating NK cells), sublethal whole-body irradiation, and reconstitution with syngeneic bone marrow cells to intrasplenic hepatocyte transplantation and 3 consecutive partial hepatectomies. This method overcame the early disintegration of grafted hepatocytes. Ninety days after transplantation numerous hepatocyte clusters and dilated bile canaliculae, occupying two thirds of the spleen, were observed, with some hepatocytes adhering to the bile ducts forming Hering's canals. Mitotic figures were noticed. There were no recipient mononuclear infiltrates around the hepatocyte clusters.
Wesolowska
A
A
Department of Surgical Research and Transplantology, Medical Research Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. arudowska@cmdik.pan.pl
Olszewski
W L
WL
Durlik
M
M
D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D006085:Graft Survival; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation*; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation