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RESEARCH | TRANSPLANTATION
SURGERY
In addition to clinical responsibilities,
the Transplant
Surgical Fellow and surgical
residents have the opportunity to participate
in clinical and basic experimental transplantation
and transplant immunology. In addition,
they have the opportunity to participate
in clinical and basic experimental transplantation
and transplant immunology.
Dr.
Robert A. Fisher,
Director of Transplant Research, has
a number of ongoing exciting research
opportunities involving small animal
cardiac, hepatic, renal and small bowel
transplantation models looking at tolerance,
and experimental and clinical hepatocyte
transplantation for fulminate hepatic
failure. Other basic science research
looks at cytokines, pancreatic allograft
immunological interactions and cytomegalovirus
infection. Clinical research is ongoing
defining the immunology and clinical
behavior of cadaveric cryopreserved venous
allografts for lower extremity arterial
revascularization. We currently have
two NIH grants (total $5 million) to
study living donor liver transplants
and liver cancer.
Other
basic science research looks at
cytokines, pancreatic allograft immunological
interactions and cytomegalovirus
infection. Clinical research is ongoing,
defining the immunology and clinical
behavior of cadaveric cryopreserved
venous allografts for lower extremity
arterial revascularization.
The Tissue Typing
and Immunology Laboratories
In
addition to supporting and participating
in all of the above projects, the Lab
is directly involved in research dealing
with histocompatibility, lymphocyte subsets,
antithymocyte globulin, serological reactions
to transplantation and the field of antigens
and antibodies.
The Division of Transplantation Surgery will be undertaking protocols in the pediatric liver transplant population and conducting the necessary research in organ preservation to further develop the non-heart beating cadaver donor program. All members of the transplant team are involved in ongoing clinical trials designed to evaluate newer immunosuppressive and pro-coagulant agents, and antilymphocyte preparations in the renal, hepatic and pancreatic transplant populations. Extensive laboratory facilities, full-time Ph.D. Molecular Biologist, technicians, and local and federal grants support basic research activities.
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