Question

what is the cause of thrombocytopenia associated with liver xenotransplantation ?

Answer 1

After pig liver reperfusion, profound thrombocytopenia was associated with aggregation of platelets with WBC-subtypes. Increasing aggregation of platelets with WBC-subtypes was detected throughout the post-transplant period until the recipient was euthanized. Significant negative correlation was found between platelet counts in the blood and aggregation of platelets with monocytes (P < 0.01) and neutrophils (P < 0.01), but not with lymphocytes. MPV remained within the normal range. Two hours after reperfusion, platelet and fibrin deposition were already detected in the liver xenografts by immunofluorescence and by electron microscopy.

Conclusions:  Following liver xenotransplantation, the early disappearance of platelets from the circulation was at least in part due to their aggregation with circulating WBC, which may augment their deposition in the liver xenograft and native lungs. Prevention of platelet aggregation with monocytes and neutrophils is likely beneficial in reducing their subsequent sequestration in the liver xenograft and native organs.

Answer 2

http://211.144.68.84:9998/91keshi/Public/File/33/18-3/pdf/j.1399-3089.2011.00642.x.pdf, http://211.144.68.84:9998/91keshi/Public/File/33/17-5/pdf/j.1399-3089.2010.00602.x.pdf