Lung retrieval from cadaver donors with nonbeating hearts: optimal preservation solution

Area of Science:

• Transplantation immunology
• Organ preservation
• Pulmonary research

Background:

• Previous studies explored pulmonary cell viability and adenine nucleotide metabolites after circulatory arrest for lung retrieval feasibility.
• This study investigated the impact of hypothermic flush and 4-hour storage using modified Euro-Collins or University of Wisconsin solution on lungs retrieved 4 hours post-mortem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of different preservation solutions and ventilation strategies on lung viability after extended retrieval times.
• To compare the efficacy of Euro-Collins solution versus University of Wisconsin solution in preserving lung function.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six rats underwent sacrifice; lungs were either immediately flushed or ventilated with 100% oxygen for 4 hours before flushing and hypothermic storage.
• Preservation solutions included modified Euro-Collins and University of Wisconsin.
• Lung viability assessed via trypan blue exclusion, wet-to-dry weight ratios, and adenine nucleotide levels using high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Main Results:

• Oxygen ventilation for 4 hours before storage maintained lung viability comparable to immediate storage.
• Non-ventilated lungs showed significantly reduced viability.
• Adenosine triphosphate and total adenine nucleotide levels were higher in oxygen-ventilated lungs, particularly with University of Wisconsin solution.
• Wet-to-dry ratios were significantly lower in control and University of Wisconsin solution groups.

Conclusions:

• Four hours of circulatory arrest followed by 4-hour hypothermic storage does not adversely affect lung viability if lungs are ventilated with 100% oxygen.
• University of Wisconsin solution demonstrated superior adenine nucleotide preservation compared to Euro-Collins solution.