The effect of cold storage on the sensitivity to alpha and beta agonists in the isolated rabbit kidney

Rabbit kidneys were perfused at 25 degrees C, and the effect of alpha and beta agonists was studied, before and after 24 hr of cold storage. Vascular and in vitro functional parameters were evaluated. We concluded that cold storage impairs partially the vascular alpha receptor. We could not find beta receptors under these conditions. An electron microscope analysis of these kidneys has shown some degree of autolysis of the tubular cells and good preservation of the vascular smooth muscle cells and membranes. These results are very important for kidney preservation before transplantation.