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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 7, 2007; 13(9): 1435-1437
Published online Mar 7, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i9.1435
Beneficial effect of an antibody against interleukin-2 receptor (daclizumab) in an experimental model of hepatocyte xenotransplantation
Dimitrios Papagoras, Apostolos Papalois, Alexandra Tsaroucha, Dimitrios Lytras, John Kyriazanos, Nikoletta Giannakou, Prodromos Laftsidis, Constantine Simopoulos
Dimitrios Papagoras, Apostolos Papalois, Alexandra Tsaroucha, Dimitrios Lytras, John Kyriazanos, Prodromos Laftsidis, Constantine Simopoulos, 2nd Department of Surgery, Medical School, “Democritus” University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Apostolos Papalois, Experimental-Research Department, Elpen Pharmaceuticals, Athens, Greece
Nikoletta Giannakou, Department of Pathology, “Aghia Olga” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Apostolos Papalois, PhD, Experimental-Research Department, Elpen Pharmaceuticals, 60 El. Venizelou st., 153 41 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece. apo@hol.gr
Telephone: +30-210-6537045 Fax: +30-210-6537045
Received: November 30, 2006
Revised: December 25, 2006
Accepted: January 18, 2007
Published online: March 7, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the use of Daclizumab (Dmab) as an immunosuppressive agent in an experimental model of hepatocyte xenotransplantation (XenoTx) in rats with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

METHODS: Two white male New Zealand rabbits were used as donors and 68 Wistar rats as recipients. FHF was induced by intravenous application of dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA). The isolated hepatocytes of the rabbits were xenotransplanted into the spleen of the rats 24 h after FHF induction. Group A (n = 13): no treatment; Group B (n = 14): FHF and XenoTx; Group C (n = 14): FHF and XenoTx and cyclosporin (CsA); Group D (n = 14): FHF and XenoTx and Dmab; Group E (n = 13): FHF and XenoTx and CsA and Dmab. The rats were followed for 15 d.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed better survival among groups D (92.86%) and E (76.92%) compared to group A (all rats died after 72 h), group B (28.57%) or group C (71.43%), although the differences were not statistically significant. Biochemical evaluation of the liver enzymes and histology confirmed satisfactory function and engraftment, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This experimental model has shown the safe, effective and beneficial use of Dmab in a xenotransplantation model of rabbit hepatocytes in rats.

Keywords: Transplantation; Hepatocytes; Daclizumab; Cyclosporin