Effect of rearterialization on short-term graft function in orthotopic rat liver transplantation

The orthotopic liver transplant model in rats has been very useful for immunological studies. However, differing opinions exist as to whether rearterialization of the graft is necessary for such experiments. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the short-term allograft function when rearterialized was compared to restored venous portal flow only and in situ hepatic artery ligation. The technique of orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat with and without rearterialization of the graft is described in detail. In addition, we evaluated the technical feasibility of sutured vascular anastomosis as compared to the traditional cuff technique. Urea synthesis rate was used as a sensitive marker of integrated liver function, including uptake, synthesis and excretion. Standard liver test of bilirubin, plasma aspergine aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured. We found no significant differences in the biochemical markers between allografts with portal venous flow only compared to the combination with arterial flow. Autopsy was performed after the biochemical studies at day 14. Histopathological analyses revealed no differences between the two groups of transplanted rats. The patency of sutured anastomoses was in our hands found to be superior to that of the cuff technique, with a success rate of more than 90% in rats with portal venous flow. This rat model in which vascular anastomosis is performed with a running suture technique and without rearterialization seems to be excellent for short-term studies of preservation and liver function after orthotopic liver transplantation.