Preservation of bladder tissue in different solutions for varying times

To evaluate three popular storage media and the effect of 24-hour cold storage on bladder tissue.

Guinea pig bladders were stored in three solutions: UW solution (a media used for transplant organs), Reznikoff solution [cell culture medium], and Krebs' solution with and without aeration.

Cell potassium and sodium concentrations and total tissue water (a measurement of cell swelling) are important parameters for evaluating tissue damage. Reznikoff solution and Krebs' solution without gases maintained tissues for 24 hours with the least tissue damage; these solutions require no special equipment or attention. Twenty-four hour uniterrupted aeration of Krebs' solution caused the greatest degree of cell swelling with possible redistribution of receptors and required adjustment and regulation of the preservation apparatus. UW solution induced dehydration of cells, required the longest recovery period after cold storage, and is far more expensive than the other solutions.

Reznikoff solution caused consistent relative changes in smooth muscle receptors and was superior to aerated Krebs' and UW solutions for 24-hour bladder tissue storage. It is unnecessary to aerate Krebs' solution during 24-hour cold storage.