In vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation by the liver with UW solution as the preservation fluid

The influence of UW preservation fluid in comparison with that of Euro-Collins and Bretschneider solutions on collagen, adenosine diphosphate and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation was investigated in vitro using platelet-rich plasma of 4 healthy volunteers. The concentrations of the solutions tested were comparable to those that may be used in the transplant situation. 2UW solution inhibited ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation--an effect that could be attributed mainly to adenosine and secondarily to penicillin in UW solution--whereas ristocetin-induced aggregation was not affected. Euro-Collins and Bretschneider solutions did not alter platelet aggregation. The inhibition of platelet aggregation by UW may, on the one hand, contribute to bleeding complications after reperfusion and, on the other hand, be responsible for the observed lower incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis.