Fibrin formation during asanguinous normothermic perfusion of the isolated rat liver

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Abstract
A progressive accumulation of fibrin in the small vessels of the isolated perfused rat liver was documented by both histological and autohistoradiographic techniques. These changes occurred initially in the sinusoids and later extended to the interlobular branches of the portal vein. Fibrin deposition was accompanied by a reduction of perfusion flow, an increase of the lactate‐pyruvate ratio in the perfusion medium, and a depletion of liver tissue glycogen. All of these changes were prevented by adding streptokinase to the perfusing solution. Mechanisms leading to intravascular accumulation of fibrin and the possible involvement of this process in failure of prolonged liver preservation, hemorrhagic accidents following liver transplantation, and liver allograft rejection are discussed. The use of fibrinolytic agents for perfusion preservation of the isolated liver appears promising.