One of the first interests of Dr. Dionigi was to develop better
techniques for auxiliary liver transplantation. His initial work was
hampered by a high incidence of out-flow block, which demonstrated
a self-perpetuating injury to the liver caused by restriction of portal
flow. He reasoned that this was related to the effects of histamine and
developed the use of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl®)
which he added to the perfusate used for flushing the liver prior
to transplantation. This advancement provided a major contribution
to the study of auxiliary liver transplantation. 1 Subsequent studies
in 28 mongrel dogs allowed the development of better techniques
for auxiliary liver transplantation, which subsequently aided in the
development of cellular hepatic liver transplants and modification of
techniques for human hepatic transplant. 2