ObjectiveTo develop and modify a rat model of partial liver transplantation with hepatic arterialization and to investigate the postoperative histopathologic changes of the grafts. MethodsModified twocuff technique was applied to establish a rat model of partial liver transplantation, and the donor’s celiac artery was anastomosed with the recipient’s right renal artery. The biopsy of the grafts was performed on the day 1,2,4 and 7 after transplantation. Results85.4% of the recipients had survived for one week.Nuclear mitoses were seen on the postoperative day 2 by microscopy, while on the day 4 they were found occasionally. Two nucleus cells were seen on the day 4 and 7. Conclusion The stability of the model is improved by modifying the technique. Liver acupuncture biopsy is a simple, safe and feasible way to be applied in the research of postoperative problems of liver transplantation. Reconstruction of hepatic artery is possible to enhance the regeneration of liver grafts.
Objective To summarize the changes of serum ceruloplasmin levels and urinary copper excretion in Wilson’s disease （WD） after living-related liver transplantation(LRLT) and orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT). Methods From September 2000 to November 2003, 140 cases liver transplantation were performed in our Liver Transplantation Center, LRLT and OLT were carried out in 26 patients with WD, three of them had fulminant hepatic failure and the others had end-stage hepatic insufficiency. All the recipients had low serum ceruloplasmin levels 〔(124.8±22.8) mg/L〕 and high urinary copper excretion 〔(1 524.8±328.6) μg/24h〕 before transplantation. The serum ceruloplasmin levels and urinary copper excretion were within normal limits in 22 donors 〔(230.4±29.6) mg/L〕 and ＜50 μg/24h〕. Results All recipients recovered satisfactorily. After operation 1, 3, 6,12 months, in OLT group, serum ceruloplasmin level and urinary copper excretion were (320.2±36.8) mg/L, (380.4±45.6) mg/L, (360.5±37.6) mg/L, (356.2±27.6) mg/L and (240.4±22.8) μg/24h, (86.5±10.6) μg/24h, (54.2±6.8) μg/24h, (46.8±3.4) μg/24h; While in LRLT group, serum ceruloplasmin levels and urinary copper excretion were (216.8±20.4) mg/L, (248.5±32.6) mg/L, (285.4±44.3) mg/L, (260.2±36.6) mg/L and (380.8±37.6) μg/24h, (150.6±24.5) μg/24h, (75.5±9.6) μg/24h, (60.3±5.8) μg/24h. Conclusion OLT and LRLT are curative procedure in WD manifested as fulminant hepatic failure and/or end-stage hepatic insufficiency. After liver transplantation, the serum ceruloplasmin level can increase to its normal range while urinary copper excretion decreases.