ABSTRACT
Transplantation of liver in the dog requires decompression of the portal and systemic venous systems during the anhepatic phase by means of a bypass. Usually patients with indications for liver transplantation have a well-developed collateral liver circulation. The portal vein is dissected in the hilum of the liver and the splenic and gastroduodenal veins divided between ligatures. In clinical surgery the iatrogenic or traumatic division of the hepatic artery is rather infrequently followed by complications. The immunological mechanism of the unusual behavior of liver allografts remains unknown. During the maintenance phase the humoral factors, specifically, antigen-antibody complexes, may prevent rejection of the transplant. The ischemically damaged liver reveals, after a 48-hr period, a total functional recovery. The level of serum enzymes was found on day 3 to be within the normal range in liver transplant recipients. Liver perfusates containing immunosuppressive proteins were effective in prolongation of kidney allograft survival for only 5 days after termination of therapy.
