Somatostatin Therapy Protects Porcine Livers in Small‐for‐Size Liver Transplantation. Issue 8 (16th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hessheimer, A. J.; Escobar, B.; Muñoz, J.; Flores, E.; Gracia‐Sancho, J.; Taurá, P.; Fuster, J.; Rimola, A.; García‐Valdecasas, J. C.; Fondevila, C.
• Is Part Of: American journal of transplantation. Volume 14:Issue 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1806
• Page End: 1816
• Publication Date: 2014-06-16
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1600-6135

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajt12758-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>Small‐for‐size (SFS) injury occurs in partial liver transplantation due to several factors, including excessive portal inflow and insufficient intragraft responses. We aim to determine the role somatostatin plays in reducing portal hyperperfusion and preventing the cascade of deleterious events produced in small grafts. A porcine model of 20% liver transplantation is performed. Perioperatively treated recipients receive somatostatin and untreated controls standard intravenous fluids. Recipients are followed for up to 5 days. <italic>In vitro</italic> studies are also performed to determine direct protective effects of somatostatin on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC). At reperfusion, portal vein flow (PVF) per gram of tissue increased fourfold in untreated animals versus approximately threefold among treated recipients (p = 0.033). Postoperatively, markers of hepatocellular, SEC and HSC injury were improved among treated animals. Hepatic regeneration occurred in a slower but more orderly fashion among treated grafts; functional recovery was also significantly better. <italic>In vitro</italic> studies revealed that somatostatin directly reduces HSC activation, though no direct effect on SEC was found. In SFS transplantation, somatostatin reduces PVF and protects SEC in the critical postreperfusion period. Somatostatin also exerts a direct cytoprotective effect on HSC, independent of changes in PVF.</p> </sec> </abstract>