Comparison of BQ123, epoprostenol, and verapamil as vasodilators during normothermic ex vivo liver machine perfusion

Juan Echeverri, Nicolas Goldaracena, Johan Moritz Kaths, Ivan Linares, Roizar Roizales, Dagmar Kollmann, Matyas Hamar, Peter Urbanellis, Sujani Ganesh, Oyedele A. Adeyi, Mahmood Tazari, Markus Selzner, Nazia Selzner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The optimal vasodilator to avoid hepatic artery vasospasm during normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) is yet to be determined. We compared safety and efficacy of BQ123 (endothelin1 antagonist), epoprostenol (prostacyclin analogue), and verapamil (calcium channel antagonist). Methods Livers from porcine heart beating donors were perfused for 3 hours and transplanted into recipient pigs. Four groups were compared: group 1, livers perfused with a dose of 1.25 mg of BQ123 at baseline and at 2 hours of perfusion; group 2, epoprostenol at a continuous infusion of 4 mg/h; group 3, verapamil 2.5 mg at baseline and at 2 hours of perfusion; group 4, no vasodilator used during ex vivo perfusion. Liver injury and function were assessed during perfusion, and daily posttransplantation until postoperative day (POD) 3. All groups were compared with a cold storage group for postoperative graft function. Results Hepatic artery flow during NEVLP was significantly higher in BQ123 compared with verapamil, epoprostenol, and no vasodilator-treated livers. Aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly lower with BQ123 and verapamil compared with epoprostenol and control group during perfusion. Peak aspartate aminotransferase levels were lower in pigs receiving BQ123 and verapamil perfused grafts compared with epoprostenol and control group. International Normalized Ratio, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels were lower in the BQ123 and verapamil groups compared to epoprostenol group. Cold storage group had increased markers of ischemia reperfusion injury and slower graft function recovery compared to machine perfused grafts. Conclusion The use of BQ123, epoprostenol, and verapamil during NEVLP is safe. Livers perfused with BQ123 and verapamil have higher hepatic artery flow and reduced hepatocyte injury during perfusion compared with epoprostenol. Hepatic artery flow is significantly reduced in the absence of vasodilators during NEVLP.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)601-608
Number of pages8
JournalTransplantation
Volume102
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Thirty to 35 kg male Yorkshire pigs were used for this study. All animals received humane care in compliance with the “Principles of Laboratory Animal Care” formulated by the National Society for Medical Research and the “Guide for the Care of Laboratory Animals” published by the National Institutes of Health. All studies were approved by the Animal Care Committee of the Toronto General Hospital.

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

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