Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is associated with increased systemic IL-10 levels.

Background: Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is an almost universal occurrence. T-cell derived cytokines have an important role in the development of liver damage associated with chronic hepatitis C, their post-transplant levels, however, have not been correlated with histologic recurrence of the disease.

Aims: We sought to analyze levels of TNF-alpha, soluble IL-2 receptor, IL-4 and IL-10 at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after transplantation in 27 patients undergoing transplantation for hepatitis C related end-stage liver disease.

Graft function and survival depend primarily on host factors in compromised recipient models of orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat.

Background: Experimental models of liver transplantation use normal recipients, although most patients undergoing liver transplantation suffer from acute or chronic liver failure. This study was designed to analyze the outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation in compromised rat hosts.

Methods: Recipient animals were either rats with D-galactosamine-induced acute or rats with chronic liver failure secondary to common bile duct ligation.

Utility of CT angiography for evaluation of living kidney donors.

We reviewed our initial experience with helical computed tomography (CT) angiography in the evaluation of living kidney donors which, until now, has necessitated arteriography. Nineteen donors (12 women, 7 men) have had their renal anatomy evaluated solely by CT angiography preoperatively. All scans demonstrated normal collecting systems and single ureters.

Differential in vivo recovery of sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells after cold preservation and liver transplantation in rats.

Background: The injury resulting from cold preservation/reperfusion primarily affects sinusoidal endothelial cells, while hepatocytes are thought to be less vulnerable; morphological changes and increased cytokine release suggest that Kupffer cells are activated. We evaluated the extent of functional damage to the different cell types in the liver after cold preservation and transplantation. Additionally, we analyzed in vivo the patterns of functional recovery of all three cell types over the first week after transplantation in Lewis rats.

Hyperosmolarity associated with diabetes insipidus alters hepatocyte structure and function but not survival after orthotopic liver transplantation in rats.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of donor hyperosmolarity secondary to diabetes insipidus, an almost universal occurrence among brain-dead patients, on hepatic function.

Methods: In vitro (isolated liver perfusion) and in vivo (hyaluronic acid and indocyanine green uptake, arterial ketone body ratio, orthotopic liver transplantation) experiments were conducted using Brattleboro rats, with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus, and Sprague-Dawley rats, with normal pituitary function. ATP content and recovery after cold preservation were measured during the perfusion.

Phonatory effects of thyroid cartilage fractures.

Blunt trauma can cause a wide range of injuries to the cartilaginous framework of the larynx. The severity of injury that is required to cause a permanent disorder of vocal function if left untreated has not been defined. A study using excised canine and human larynges was undertaken to identify the effects of minimal displacement or malalignment in simulated thyroid cartilage fractures on selected voice production measurements.