Endothelial cell injury induced by preservation solutions: a confocal microscopy study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Cell Preservation
• Organ Transplantation

Background:

• Standard preservation solutions are crucial for organ transplantation.
• Human greater saphenous vein endothelial cells are vital for vascular health.
• Assessing the impact of preservation solutions on endothelial cells is critical for improving graft survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of commonly used preservation solutions on human greater saphenous vein endothelial cells.
• To compare the efficacy of Celsior, Euro-Collins, St. Thomas Hospital II, and University of Wisconsin solutions in preserving endothelial cell viability.

Main Methods:

• Human greater saphenous vein endothelial cells (eight strains) were incubated at 4°C for 6 or 24 hours in four different preservation solutions.
• Cells were subsequently reincubated in warm culture medium and observed for up to 48 hours.
• Cell viability was assessed using cell counting and confocal microscopy after calcein staining.

Main Results:

• Euro-Collins and St. Thomas solutions induced significant cell loss and morphological damage, with distinct alterations specific to each solution.
• Celsior and University of Wisconsin solutions demonstrated minimal impact on cell viability and morphology.
• Damage induced by a 6-hour incubation was reversible, whereas 24-hour incubation led to potentially irreversible injury.

Conclusions:

• Celsior and University of Wisconsin solutions effectively preserve endothelial cell viability and proliferative capacity.
• Euro-Collins and St. Thomas solutions cause severe, potentially irreversible damage, inducing apoptotic and necrotic changes, respectively.
• Solution choice is critical for minimizing endothelial cell injury during preservation.