Xenogeneic (pig to rat) fetal liver fragment transplantation using macrocapsules for immunoisolation

Acute liver failure caused by viral infection, surgical resection of a large part of the liver or by drug use has a high mortality. For its treatment, hepatocyte or liver tissue transplantation is useful. We report here the beneficial effects of xenogeneic fetal liver fragment (FLF) transplantation with an immunoisolation macrocapsule. The macrocapsules were made of a microporous polypropylene membrane. Pig FLFs (1 mL) was inserted into each capsule to serve as a graft in LEW rats. Acute liver failure was induced by 90% liver resection on day 0. Group 1: transplantation of encapsulated FLF into the omentum 2 days before liver resection (n = 17). Group 2: FLF transplantation into the omentum on day -2 (n = 11). Group 3: liver resection (control) (n = 19). The survival rate, the histology of the grafts and the biochemical parameters [blood sugar (BS), GPT, and GOT] were evaluated. The survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 on day 7 were 70.6, 0, and 11.1%, respectively. There were significant differences in BS, GPT, and GOT levels between groups 1 and 3 on day 1 (p < 0.05). On day 28, the histological analyses of the grafts of encapsulated FLFs revealed that the hepatocytes appeared viable, but that the haematopoietic cells had degenerated. Xenogeneic FLFs with macrocapsules survived more than 1 mo, and supported the host's liver function.