COMPLEMENT INHIBITION AS A NEW THERAPEUTI C CONCEPT FOR REDUCTION OF ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY AFTER LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION/

There is increasing evidence that complement plays a decisive role in postischemic inflammatory tissue injury. The complement system seems t o be a major mediator involved in activation of leukocytes and Kupffer cells after reperfusion. In this study we demonstrate the influence o f complement inhibition using a soluble complement receptor type 1 (sC R1) on microcirculatory parameters after liver transplantation. Applic ation of sCR1 1 min prior to reperfusion leads to highly improved acin ar and sinusoidal perfusion, reduced leukocyte-sticking in sinusoids a nd venules as well as leukocyte-rolling in venules and depressed Kupff er cell phagocytic activity. Bile flow as a parameter for organ functi on was doubled in the sCR1-group. Our results indicate that sCR1 could become a therapeutic option for clinical application in organ transpl antation.