Background: This study was performed to develop a clinically relevant porcine model of auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) for fulminant hepatic failure.
Methods: FHF was induced by intraportal administration of alpha-amanitin and lipopolysaccharide. Thereafter, pigs were divided into four groups. Group 1 was an untreated, control group. In group 2, pigs underwent only a left hemihepatectomy. Pigs in groups 3 and 4 received APOLT after hemihepatectomy. Tacrolimus was administered to pigs in group 4, but not to those in group 3.
Results: Two-week survival rates were 0%, 20%, 40%, and 100% for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In group 4, after abolishing the graft function at 1 week, pigs survived for more than 2 weeks, and regeneration of the native liver was confirmed histologically.
Conclusions: Pigs suffering from fulminant hepatic failure could achieve long survival and liver regeneration with a temporary support of the auxiliary graft.