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Endothelial cell toxicity of solid-organ preservation solutions
U O von Oppell1, S Pfeiffer, P Preiss
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Bretschneider HTK cardioplegic solution offers superior endothelial cell protection during hypothermic preservation compared to other solutions. Its unique additives and low chloride content minimize cell damage, ensuring better post-preservation survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
- Organ Preservation
Background:
- Endothelial cells are crucial for vascular health and organ function.
- Hypothermic preservation solutions are used to protect organs during transplantation.
- Assessing the impact of preservation solutions on endothelial cell viability is vital for improving transplant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the endothelial cell damage caused by different cardioplegic and cold storage solutions.
- To identify the preservation solution that offers the least harm to endothelial cells at hypothermic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Adult human venous endothelial cells were cultured in monolayers.
- Cells were exposed to various preservation solutions (Bretschneider HTK, St. Thomas' Hospital No. 2, modified Collins, UW solution) at hypothermic temperatures (4-10°C).
- Phase-contrast microscopy was used to assess cell morphology and monolayer integrity, with 24-hour postexposure survival rates quantified.
Main Results:
- St. Thomas' Hospital solution disrupted monolayer integrity and resulted in 51% cell survival.
- Bretschneider HTK solution caused minimal morphological changes and yielded the highest survival rate (80.2%).
- University of Wisconsin and modified Collins solutions showed intermediate survival rates, while Bretschneider HTK's efficacy was linked to histidine, tryptophan, KH-2-oxygluterate, and low chloride content.
Conclusions:
- Bretschneider HTK cardioplegic solution is the least harmful to endothelial cells under hypothermic preservation.
- The formulation of Bretschneider HTK, including specific additives and low chloride concentration, contributes to its superior protective effects.
- Modifying St. Thomas' solution by reducing chloride content significantly improved endothelial cell survival.