Complement System Activation
in Donation after Brainstem Death (CSA-DBD)

In CSA-DBD (Complement System Activation in Donation after Brainstem Death) we examine the activation of the innate immune system, with a particular focus on the complement system. Previous studies have established that the complement system is activated during brain death, and there seems to be a correlation between the degree of this activation and the quality of donor organs.  

Our aim is to examine the immune response during the first eight hours after brain death. To do so, we perform animal experiments in a previously established porcine model for brain stem death. 

A better understanding of the immunological response in organ donors is an important step in developing treatments targeting the immune system and, in the future, hopefully improve quality of donor organs. 

CSA-DBD is conducted in collaboration with University Medical Centre Groningen and Oslo University Hospital.  

Researchers:

• Marc Gjern Weiss
  MD
• Anna Krarup Keller
  Postdoc, MD, PhD, Department of Urology
• Bente Jespersen
  Professor, MD, DMSci