Protection of nuclear function by various agents during organ storage

Allopurinol, Collins' solution, and spermidine were tested for their ability to preserve nuclear function during kidney storage. Spermidine increased nuclear ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase activity 25 to 43 percent after 60 minutes of warm ischemia. Collins' solution was less effective and allopurinol did not protect RNA polymerase activity. Spermidine offered little additional protection over Collins' during cold storage of RNA polymerase activity. Only spermidine prevented the decrease in the molecular weight of RNA transcribed following kidney storage. Only Collins' solution prevented the breakdown of rapidly labeled heterogenous high molecular weight RNA and ribosomal precursor RNA.