[Utilization of xenogenic liver in human clinics. Tests and perspectives]

Before the 1980s, xenogeneic livers were incorporated for extracorporeal perfusion systems to support failing liver function. Transient improvement in consciousness was seen in some patients developing stage IV encephalopathy. In the 1990s, the growing donor shortage has led to reconsidering the use of xenogeneic livers. In 1992, two baboon livers were successfully transplanted to humans; the survival times were 26 and 70 days. One auxiliary pig liver was unsuccessfully transplanted. Regeneration capacity of the liver in the xenotransplantation context in man was demonstrated using a baboon donor. At the present time physiological, microbiological and immunological problems have not been solved using xenogeneic liver.