An optimized perfusate for enhanced rat ex vivo lung perfusion and lung transplant models

Although Steen's solution plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular oncotic pressure and reducing pulmonary edema due to its high concentration of human serum albumin during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), it incurs high costs and potential immune responses in rat models. In our preliminary research, donor lungs perfused with Steen's solution exhibited significant lung injury post transplantation, likely due to a strong immune response elicited by the high concentration of xenogenic proteins upon reperfusion. This study explores a low-cost and efficient perfusate composition for use in rat EVLP and lung transplant models. The modified perfusate employed in this study uses artificial colloids as the primary component, with an albumin concentration of only 2%, demonstrating comparable physiological parameters, metabolic levels, and pathological changes to those of Steen's solution during EVLP. Moreover, the modified composition exhibited good biocompatibility in transplantation, with minimal lung injury. In summary, the proposed perfusate offers a safer and more economical alternative for establishing rat EVLP and lung transplant models, facilitating the advancement of related research.