Xenogeneic ex vivo hemoperfusion of rhesus monkey livers with human blood

This model of completely isolated ex vivo hemoperfused RM livers reflects immunologic effects of donor organs and the humoral blood components of the recipient. The reaction between the isolated organ and recirculating blood allows us to concentrate on effects and products liberated under such a selected but limited situation. The slight influence of used materials on the monitored parameters in the circuit is of no importance. The massive release of TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IFN gamma, and 6kPGF1 alpha between 15 and 60 minutes after reperfusion was the specific result of xenoperfusion. IL-2 increases after 60 minutes. Soluble human IL-2R seems to be eliminated from the perfusate by the RM liver to about 50% of initial values. It increases again sharply beyond 180 minutes now originating from the RM liver. During the whole perfusion time, soluble HLA-I antigen and the detected adhesion molecules decrease to 50% of their initial values.