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Biomedical subjects

L Makowka

Publications and source records attributed to L Makowka.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

A clinicopathologic study of primary hepatic carcinoid tumors.

Six cases of primary hepatic carcinoid tumors were studied with combined immunocytochemical and electron microscopic techniques. Positive tumor immunostaining with PHE5, LK2H10, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), serotonin, gastrin, and insulin antibodies was observed. At the ultrastructural level, cytoplasmic dense granules were seen in all the cases tested. This finding supports a putative origin of these carcinoids found in the liver from a pluripotential stem cell. The clinical course and follow-up of these cases suggests that this unusual hepatic neoplasm has a more favorable prognosis than other forms of hepatic cancer.

Adult↗

Hepatic artery reconstruction for hepatic artery thrombosis after orthotopic liver transplantation.

We evaluated the efficacy of reconstruction of the hepatic artery for intraoperative or postoperative thrombosis in orthotopic liver transplantation. Of 37 grafts with artery thrombosis, 13 (35.1%, 6 intraoperative and 7 postoperative) underwent reconstruction of the hepatic artery. The arterial flow was reestablished and maintained in 5 (38.5%) of the 13. Recurrent thrombosis in the other 8 grafts developed 2 to 24 days (mean, 13.8 days) after transplantation. Reconstruction was successful in 50% (4/8) of the adults, compared with only 20% (1/5) of the children. Satisfactory results were obtained when a definitive cause of thrombosis could be identified. We conclude that early recognition and correction of the cause of hepatic artery thrombosis during or after orthotopic liver transplantation, especially in adults, is often a graft-saving and lifesaving procedure worthy of consideration.

Adolescent↗

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase: a new marker for free oxygen radical injury to the endothelial cell.

The effect of ischemia and reperfusion on purine nucleoside phosphorylase was studied in an isolated perfused rat liver model. This enzyme is localized primarily in the cytoplasm of the endothelial and Kupffer cells; some activity is associated with the parenchymal cells. Levels of this enzyme accurately predicted the extent of ischemia and reperfusion damage to the microvascular endothelial cell of the liver. Livers from Lewis rats were subjected to 30, 45 and 60 min of warm (37 degrees C) no flow ischemia that was followed by a standard reperfusion period lasting 45 min. Purine nucleoside phosphorylase was measured at the end of the no flow ischemia and reperfusion periods as was superoxide generation (O2-). Bile production was monitored throughout the no flow ischemia and reperfusion periods. Control perfusions were carried out for 120 min. A significant rise in purine nucleoside phosphorylase levels as compared with controls was observed at the end of ischemia in all the three groups. The highest level, 203.5 +/- 29.2 mU/ml, was observed after 60 min of ischemia. After the reperfusion period, levels of purine nucleoside phosphorylase decreased in the 30- and 45-min groups 58.17 +/- 9.66 mU/ml and 67.5 +/- 17.1 mU/ml, respectively. These levels were equal to control perfusions. In contrast, after 60 min of ischemia, levels of purine nucleoside phosphorylase decreased early in the reperfusion period and then rose to 127.8 +/- 14.8 mU/ml by the end of reperfusion (p less than 0.0001). Superoxide generation at the beginning of reperfusion was higher than in controls with similar values observed at the end of 30, 45 and 60 min of ischemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of cyclosporine on hepatic cytosolic estrogen and androgen receptor levels before and after partial hepatectomy.

Estrogen and androgen receptors within the liver have been reported to modulate the hepatic regenerative response to partial hepatectomy. Moreover, cyclosporine has several untoward effects that might occur as a consequence of alterations in sex hormone activity. To evaluate these questions the following experiments were performed. Estrogen and androgen receptors in cytosol were quantitated in livers of rats treated with cyclosporine or olive oil vehicle before and after partial hepatectomy or a sham operation. Ornithine decarboxylase activity and thymidine kinase activity were assessed as indices of hepatic regeneration. Preoperative levels of estrogen receptor activity in the hepatic cytosol were significantly greater in rats treated with cyclosporine as compared to vehicle treated controls (P less than 0.01). In contrast, preoperative levels of androgen receptor activity in the cyclosporine-treated and vehicle-treated animals were similar. Following partial hepatectomy, a reduction in the activity of both sex hormone receptors in the hepatic cytosol was observed and was compatible with results described previously in normal animals. Unexpectedly the preoperative levels of ornithine decarboxylase (P less than 0.01) and thymidine kinase activity (P less than 0.01) were significantly greater in the rats treated with cyclosporine as compared to the vehicle treated controls. As expected, ornithine decarboxylase activity (at 6 hr) and thymidine kinase activity (at 24 hr) rose and peaked in response to a partial hepatectomy but were significantly greater (P less than 0.05) in the rats treated with cyclosporine as compared to the vehicle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Liver transplantation for tyrosinemia. A review of 10 cases from the University of Pittsburgh.

Results of liver transplantation in 10 patients with tyrosinemia are reviewed. The indications for transplantation were: hepatoma in three, acute liver failure in two, and progressive chronic liver disease in five. One patient died during surgery. Of the remaining nine who survived the operation, one died at six months as a result of bronchial aspiration and aspiration pneumonia, and a second transplanted for hepatoma died five months later with metastases. Seven patients are alive 6 months to 6 1/2 years following transplantation. Of these seven patients, six have normal liver function and a good performance status. One is awaiting retransplantation for chronic rejection. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was found either preoperatively or incidentally in five patients, all older than 2 years at the time of their transplant. Four of these are alive and well without evidence of tumor with follow-ups between 3 1/2 and 6 1/2. Four of the five patients less than 2 years of age had hepatocellular dysplasia without evidence of carcinoma on histologic examination of the resected liver. This experience suggests that liver transplantation should be considered seriously for children with hereditary tyrosinemia who are more than 2 years of age because beyond that age the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases substantially.

Adult↗

Effect of ranitidine on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in dogs.

The effect of ranitidine administration upon the hepatotoxic effect produced by a multidose acetaminophen administration regimen was examined. Seventy-two dogs received three subcutaneous injections of acetaminophen (750, 200, 200 mg/kg body wt) in DMSO (600 mg/ml) at time zero, 9 hr later, and 24 hr after the first dose. Ten control animals (group I) were not given ranitidine, the remaining 62 dogs received an intramuscular injection of ranitidine 30 min before each acetaminophen dose. Three different doses of ranitidine were used (mg/kg body wt): 50 mg, group II (33 dogs); 75 mg, group III (14 dogs); 120 mg, group IV (15 dogs). Ranitidine reduced the expected acetaminophen-induced hepatoxicity in a dose-response manner. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the ranitidine dose and the survival rate, as evidenced by transaminase levels in the serum and histology of the liver. This model of fulminant hepatic failure induced by acetaminophen and its modulation with ranitidine provides clinical investigators with a research tool that will be useful in the future investigation of putative medical and surgical therapies being investigated for use in the clinical management of fulminant hepatic failure. Because of the size of the animal used in this model, frequent and serial analyses of blood and liver were available for study to determine the effect of therapy within a given animal as opposed to within groups of animals.

Acetaminophen↗

Cyclosporine augments hepatic regenerative response in rats.

A number of mechanisms participate in the hepatic injury that occurs during and following liver transplantation. A normal allograft regenerative response is probably essential for a successful transplant outcome. In this study, the effect of cyclosporine, a potent immunosuppressant used routinely after liver transplantation, on the regenerative response of the liver after partial hepatectomy was investigated. Male Wistar rats were pretreated for one week with either cyclosporine or the olive oil vehicle and were subjected to either a two-thirds partial hepatectomy or a sham operation. Animals were sacrificed at various times postoperatively and the remnant livers were weighed to determine the liver weight to body weight ratio, two biochemical measures of a regenerative response (cytosolic ornithine decarboxylase activity and thymidine kinase activity), and the hepatic content of estrogen and androgen receptors, as the content of these receptors has been shown to modulate, at least in part, the subsequent hepatic regenerative response. The preoperative hepatic cytosol content of ornithine decarboxylase, thymidine kinase, and estrogen receptor was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) in rats pretreated with cyclosporine than in those treated with the vehicle alone. A significant increase in ornithine decarboxylase and thymidine kinase activities occurred after partial hepatectomy in both the cyclosporine-pretreated and vehicle-pretreated animals. The absolute levels for each parameter were also greater in the cyclosporine-treated animals than in the vehicle-treated controls at 24 hr after partial hepatectomy (P less than 0.05). The pattern of change in the hepatic cytosolic content of estrogen and androgen receptors in both groups of animals was comparable with those described previously for regenerating liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Lipid peroxidation is a nonparenchymal cell event with reperfusion after prolonged liver ischemia.

A proposed mechanism for irreversible ischemic liver damage has been peroxidation of membrane phospholipids by free radicals. However, the hepatocyte is laden with enzymes which are antioxidants and, therefore, ought to be relatively resistant to oxidative injury. To test the hypothesis that free radical damage from ischemia and reperfusion of the liver is a nonparenchymal cell process, we studied an in vivo model of ischemia. A point of transition from reversible to irreversible ischemia was defined at greater than or equal to 60 min of total ischemia by serial measurements of ATP at control, end of ischemia, and end of reperfusion periods (n = 6 each). Nonparenchymal cells were separated out of 10 livers in each ischemic group using a Percoll gradient. Second derivative spectroscopy did not detect conjugated dienes in any hepatocellular fraction, total cellular, mitochondrial, or microsomal, but did in the nonparenchymal cell fractions of livers from the 60- and 90-min ischemia groups. This in vivo study shows that irreversible ischemia in the rat liver is associated with free radical lipid peroxidation, but that the nonparenchymal cells rather than hepatocytes are the focus of this injury.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Liver transplantation in patients with previous portasystemic shunt.

Over a 9-year period, 58 patients who had previous portasystemic shunt procedures underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) under a cyclosporine-steroid immunosuppressive regimen. The types of shunt used were distal splenorenal (18 patients), mesocaval (17 patients), end-to-side portacaval (11 patients), side-to-side portacaval (5 patients) and proximal splenorenal (7 patients). The mean interval between shunt and transplantation was 6 years. There was no statistical difference in survival between patients with previous shunts and the entire population of patients with primary liver transplantation performed during the same period of time. Age, sex, shunt patency, status of portal vein, and use of vein or artery graft did not affect survival. Child's classification had a significant influence on graft survival, even though no difference was subsequently observed in patient survival. A progressively improved intraoperative strategy and the use of veno-venous bypass and University of Wisconsin preservation solution had a significant impact on blood loss, length of operation, length of stay in intensive care unit, and ultimately, on survival. Distal splenorenal and mesocaval shunts with no or minimal hilum dissection are safer shunts if subsequent transplantation is planned; in fact, their 9-year survival was 87%, whereas all other shunts were associated with a survival no better than 52% (p less than 0.006).

Adolescent↗

The use of FK-506 for small intestine allotransplantation. Inhibition of acute rejection and prevention of fatal graft-versus-host disease.

Small intestine allotransplantation in humans is not yet feasible due to the failure of the current methods of immunosuppression. FK-506, a powerful new immunosuppressive agent that is synergistic with cyclosporine, allows long-term survival of recipients of cardiac, renal, and hepatic allografts. This study compares the effects of FK-506 and cyclosporine on host survival, graft rejection, and graft-versus-host-disease in a rat small intestine transplantation model. Transplants between strongly histoincompatible ACI and Lewis (LEW) strain rats, and their F1 progeny are performed so that graft rejection alone is genetically permitted (F1----LEW) or GVHD alone permitted (LEW----F1) or that both immunologic processes are allowed to occur simultaneously (ACI----LEW). Specific doses of FK-506 result in prolonged graft and host survival in all genetic combinations tested. Furthermore, graft rejection is prevented (ACI----LEW model) or inhibited (rejection only model) and lethal acute GVHD is eliminated. Even at very high doses, cyclosporine did not prevent graft rejection or lethal GVHD, nor did it allow long-term survival of the intestinal graft or the host. Animals receiving low doses of cyclosporine have outcomes similar to the untreated control groups. No toxicity specific to FK-506 is noted, but earlier studies by other investigators suggest otherwise.

Animals↗

Inhibition of free radical generation and improved survival by protection of the hepatic microvascular endothelium by targeted erythrocytes in orthotopic rat liver transplantation.

The capacity of specifically targeted erythrocytes to inhibit free radical-mediated injury to the endothelial cell after cold preservation, and improve liver function was studied in two experimental models: An isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) system and syngeneic orthotopic rat liver transplantation. In the IPRL model, livers were preserved in University of Wisconsin solution for 24 h at 4 degrees C. At the end of the preservation period, livers were flushed with lactated Ringer's (control), immunoerythrocytes (IES), or blank intact erythrocytes prior to warm reperfusion for 2 h using an assanguinous Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Production of superoxide (O2-) anion during warm reperfusion in the IES-treated liver was reduced by 65% as compared with controls (P less than 0.001) and by 74% (P less than 0.001) when compared with blank erythrocyte-treated livers. Endothelial cell preservation, as assessed by levels of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), was much better in the IES-treated group (P less than 0.001) when compared with untreated livers. Hepatocellular preservation was markedly improved in the IES-treated livers. In the syngeneic liver transplantation model, livers were preserved in UW solution for 24 h at 4 degrees C. Prior to implantation, livers were flushed with 5 ml of cold lactated Ringer's or immunoerythrocytes. Survival after three weeks was 60% in the IES-treated group and 30% in the untreated group. Survival in the IES-treated group was not significantly different from a control (no preservation) group. IES-treated livers in both models demonstrated better endothelial cell integrity and ultimate liver function. IES treatment therefore appears to protect the hepatic microvascular endothelial cell from reperfusion injury and could prove to be an easy reproducible method of donor organ preparation after cold preservation.

Animals↗

Platelet-activating factor and hyperacute rejection. The effect of a platelet-activating factor antagonist, SRI 63-441, on rejection of xenografts and allografts in sensitized hosts.

The pathogenesis of hyperacute transplantation reactions includes the activation of a cascade of nonspecific inflammatory reactions that precipitates the destruction of the target organ. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) represents an important component of these inflammatory cascades, and we have examined the influence of a specific PAF receptor antagonist (SRI 63-441) on the inhibition of hyperacute rejection in two experimental models, the rejection of rat cardiac allografts by presensitized recipients and guinea pig-to-rat and mouse-to-rat cardiac xenografts. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of PAF function by SRI 63-441 has a variable effect on the survival of cardiac allografts in presensitized rat recipients. In the ACI to sensitized BN cardiac allograft model, the use of SRI 63-441 alone, or in combination with CsA, FK506, or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), does not prolong graft survival. As we have previously reported, SRI 63-441 does act as a single agent to prolong the survival of ACI to sensitized LEW grafts, and this survival effect is synergistic when combined with CsA. Here we extend these results to demonstrate that this survival is also extended when FK506 is used in the ACI-to-LEW model. Concordant mouse-to-rat cardiac xenografts are also relatively resistant to prolongation of graft survival following treatment with SRI 63-441 alone or in combination with CsA or FK506. Discordant xenografts appear to be more susceptible to inhibition of the rejection reaction with SRI 63-441. When either donor or recipient animals were treated with SRI 63-441 alone, or in combination with CsA or FK506, there was significant prolongation of guinea pig-to-rat cardiac xenograft survival. These results are consistent with our earlier description of the effectiveness of SRI 63-441 in preventing the rejection of cat-to-rabbit kidney xenografts. We believe that these results demonstrate that the use of the SRI 63-441 to specifically interfere with the function of PAF has the effect of prolonging graft survival in those systems in which performed antibody and/or complement activation are important components of the hyperacute reaction. This synthetic drug is representative of a family of compounds whose structure can be modified to balance their therapeutic and toxicity activities, and may prove to be important components of a polytherapeutic approach to the control of graft rejection in sensitized patients or following discordant xenografting.

Animals↗

Immunodepletion in xenotransplantation.

Xenograft transplantation is perhaps the most immunologically difficult problem in transplantation today. An overwhelming hyperacute rejection reaction (HAR) occurs within minutes of organ implantation. Preformed antibodies are thought to initiate this process. We used a pig-to-dog renal xenograft transplant model and investigated methods of decreasing the severity of hyperacute rejection. Female pigs weighing 15-20 kg were used as donors. Recipients were mongrel dogs weighing 15-25 kg. Experimental dogs were all given a number of treatments of IgG depletion using an antibody removal system (Dupont-Excorim). This machine immunoadsorbs plasma against a column containing immobilized staphylococcal protein A, which is known to bind the IgG Fc receptor. An 84% reduction in the IgG levels and a 71% reduction in IgM levels was achieved. Postoperative assessment was made of urine output, time to onset of HAR, and histopathological examination of the rejected kidneys. Although cross-matches between donor lymphocytes and recipient sera remained strongly positive in the treated dogs, there was a two- to fourfold reduction in the titers. The time to onset of HAR was prolonged in the experimental group, and the urine output was increased slightly. The histopathologic changes in the experimental group generally showed signs of HAR, but of less intensity than in the nonimmunodepleted control group.

Animals↗

A new liver perfusion and preservation system for transplantation research in large animals.

A kidney perfusion machine, model MOX-100 (Waters Instruments, Ltd, Rochester, MN) was modified to allow continuous perfusion of the portal vein and pulsatile perfusion of the hepatic artery of the liver. Additional apparatus consists of a cooling system, a membrane oxygenator, a filter for foreign bodies, and bubble traps. This system not only allows hypothermic perfusion preservation of the liver graft, but furthermore enables investigation of ex vivo simulation of various circulatory circumstances in which physiological perfusion of the liver is studied. We have used this system to evaluate the viability of liver allografts preserved by cold storage. The liver was placed on the perfusion system and perfused with blood with a hematocrit of approximately 20%, and maintained at 37 degrees C for 3 h. The flows of the hepatic artery and portal vein were adjusted to 0.33 mL and 0.67 mL/g of liver tissue, respectively. Parameters of viability consisted of hourly bile output, oxygen consumption, liver enzymes, electrolytes, vascular resistance, and liver histology. This method of liver assessment in large animals will allow the objective evaluation of organ viability for transplantation and thereby improve the outcome of organ transplantation. Furthermore, this pump enables investigation into the pathophysiology of liver ischemia and preservation.

Animals↗

The hepatotropic influence of cyclosporine.

The effect of cyclosporine on liver regeneration has been investigated in 25 dogs that underwent an end-to-side portacaval shunt (Eck fistula) followed by 4 days continuous infusion of the drug into the left branch of the portal vein. Three different cyclosporine infusion rates were used: 0.06, 0.6, and 4.0 mg/kg/day. Control animals received the intravenous vehicle of cyclosporine at the same rate as the treated animals; a second control group received insulin, 0.42 units/kg/day. Hepatocyte 3H-thymidine-labeled mitoses (index of hyperplasia) and hepatocyte volume (index of hypertrophy) were studied in the left (infused) and right (control) lobes in each animal. Cyclosporine vehicle had no measurable effect on hepatocytes that suffered typical atrophy and moderate increase in mitotic index after the Eck fistula. Cyclosporine infusion stimulated cell renewal significantly and restored hepatocyte size in the infused lobes with a dose-response relation. Similar positive effects were observed in the right (nonperfused) lobes, although they were less than those in the left (infused) lobes. This was because of an unmistakable spillover of cyclosporine from the infused lobes, especially in the large-dose group. No sign of hepatotoxicity was detected at any cyclosporine infusion rate. Cyclosporine has a remarkable hepatotropic effect that may be helpful in the context of liver transplantation.

Animals↗

Cardiac transplantation in the rat. II. Alteration of the severity of donor graft arteriosclerosis by modulation of the host immune response.

Cardiac transplantation between inbred rat strains that differ for weak histocompatibility antigens is associated with the development of arteriosclerosis in the arteries of the donor graft myocardium. The lesions are seen in donor/recipient pairs that differ for both MHC and non-MHC histocompatibility antigens that apparently stimulate a low-level, chronic rejection of the donor heart graft. The arteriosclerosis associated with this chronic rejection consists of a diffuse, concentric proliferation of the intima and pathologically resembles the lesions observed in the coronary arteries of long-term human cardiac graft recipients. We have recently examined the influence of positive and negative manipulation of the host immune response on the development of the graft arteriosclerosis. Our results demonstrate that delayed harvest of the cardiac grafts or immunization with donor skin grafts or splenic lymphocytes increases the sensitivity of the recipient to the donor heart grafts--and, under conditions that allow for the long-term survival of the graft--increases the severity of the arteriosclerotic lesions. Alternatively, suppression of the host immune responses with cyclosporine or FK506, substantially reduces the arteriosclerotic changes. These results suggest that control of accelerated graft arteriosclerosis in long-term human cardiac recipient may require more careful and effective immunosuppression of the allograft reaction.

Animals↗

Improved preservation of the rat liver for orthotopic liver transplantation: use of University of Wisconsin-lactobionate solution and retrograde reflushing.

This study investigated cold preservation and reflushing before orthotopic liver transplantation by examining (1) new University of Wisconsin solution (UW) versus Euro-Collins solution (EC), (2) retrograde reflushing (RR) versus antegrade reflushing (AR), and (3) the addition of a platelet-activating inhibitor (PAF), superoxide disumatase (SOD), or SOD + catalase to UW. Syngeneic, male Lewis rats (200 to 400 gm) were used. Preservation for 9, 12, 18, or 24 hours in UW or EC with RR (through the inferior vena cava) was used. The 9- and 12-hour groups experienced a significant decrease in the weight of the grafts preserved in UW. The 3-week survival rate after 9 hours of preservation (n = 6) in UW was 66%, and the survival rate with EC was 0% (p less than 0.025). After 12 hours of preservation, recipient survival rate was 70% (n = 10) with UW versus 0% (n = 4) with EC (p less than 0.025). RR of the graft with cold lactated Ringer's solution immediately before reimplantation significantly improved 3-week survival in the 12-hour group to the level of the control group (no preservation time, 69%). Preservation for 12 hours in UW followed by AR yielded a 3-week survival of 14%; 3-week survival for the RR group was 70% (p less than 0.025). Furthermore, RR allowed a 3-week survival of 33% and 20% after 18 and 24 hours of UW preservation, respectively. In the 24-hour RR/UW group, donor pretreatment with SRI 63-441 (20 mg/kg, intravenously) and recipient treatment with SOD (15 mg/kg, intravenously) or SOD + catalase (15 mg/kg and 5000 units/kg, intravenously) produced a 3-week survival comparable to preservation in UW followed by RR alone. These studies show that UW is a profound improvement over EC for cold preservation of liver and that the new application of RR to rat orthotopic liver transplantation improves survival. However, the addition of free-radical scavengers or PAF does not improve organ function or recipient survival in this model.

Adenosine↗