[A hybrid artificial liver system composed of primary cultured canine hepatocytes]

The usefulness of newly device hybrid artificial liver system was evaluated in anhepatic dogs. The artificial liver module was composed of 60 to 80gm. primary cultured canine (Beagle) hepatocytes which were attached to 200 borocillicate glass plates. Total hepatectomy were done through cavo-caval and porto-caval shunt method using Anthron catheter to 14 dogs. Dogs were divided into following three groups. Group I; no treatment (n = 6) Group II; plasma perfusion (n = 4) Group III; treated with the artificial liver systems (n = 4) The survival times were 21.3 +/- 5.6, 27.8 +/- 4.0, and 55.0 +/- 11.3 hours in group I, II, and III, respectively. The longest survival time was 65 hours in one of group III dogs. APTT levels in group I and II increased more than 100 sec. within 24 hours. On the other hand it was maintained within 50 sec. during 54 hours treatment in group III. Ammonia levels in group I and II extremely increased over 2000ng/dl. In group III, it was less than 400ng/dl for 54 hours. Plasma amino acid levels in group I and II (Glutamine, Arginine, AAA) revealed significantly higher than in group III at 18 hours after operation. It is concluded that the newly device hybrid artificial liver system was useful for in vivo liver support.