Evaluation of a flushing solution designed to protect kidneys from in situ ischemia

An in situ flushing solution was evaluated with regard to the following: (1) its ability to protect the kidney during 60, 90, and 120 minutes of normothermic ischemia; (2) the effects of using an intracellular versus extracellular electrolyte composition in the flushing solution; and (3) the ability of the flushing solution to complement in situ hypothermia as a protective measure during long-term ischemia. Rat kidneys were briefly flushed in situ with an isotonic phosphate buffered solution (pH 7.2) containing 50 milliosmole of sucrose. The left renal pedicle was then immediately clamped to render the kidney ischemic and to hold the flushing solution in the kidney. Following removal of the pedicle clamp, a contralateral nephrectomy of the right kidney was performed and daily serum creatinine levels determined to evaluate postischemic renal function. The results indicate the following: (1) the flushing procedure is very effective in preventing postischemic acute renal failure following 60 minutes of normothermic ischemia, but is considerably less effective for ischemic times of 90 minutes or more; (2) an intracellular electrolyte composition in the flushing solution does not improve the protective effects of this solution; and (3) the flushing procedure can significantly improve on the protection otherwise provided by in situ hypothermia.