Effects of lung preservation with Euro-Collins and University of Wisconsin solutions on endothelium-dependent relaxations.
BACKGROUND
This study compares the effect of lung preservation using flush perfusion of Euro-Collins or University of Wisconsin solution on the pulmonary vascular function of endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations.


METHODS
Rings of canine intrapulmonary arteries were studied after 6 hours of cold ischemia in Euro-Collins or University of Wisconsin preservation solution. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations were induced in organ chamber experiments. To also study pulmonary resistance vessels, endothelium-dependent relaxations were induced in in vitro perfused intact rabbit lungs.


RESULTS
In the organ chamber experiments, a moderate but significant (p < 0.05) reduction in endothelium-dependent relaxations were found in the perfused and stored vessels. In perfused rabbit lungs, a decrease in the endothelial response occurred immediately after perfusion with Euro-Collins solution. However, a recovery and overshooting response was found after preservation with either solution and 6 hours of cold ischemia. A significant increase in the sensitivity of smooth muscle cells to nitric oxide was shown in both preparations.


CONCLUSIONS
Both crystalloid perfusion fluids cause a decrease in endothelial function during the perfusion procedure. In contrast, endothelial function is well preserved during the ischemic time. University of Wisconsin solution induced a higher sensitivity of the vascular smooth muscle to the endothelium-derived relaxing factor nitric oxide. A reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance after University of Wisconsin preservation may be of importance in subsequent clinical lung transplantation.
Strüber
M
M
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
Ehlers
K A
KA
Nilsson
F N
FN
Miller
V M
VM
McGregor
C G
CG
Haverich
A
A
D000241:Adenosine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002314:Cardioplegic Solutions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005978:Glutathione / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006982:Hypertonic Solutions / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007328:Insulin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009926:Organ Preservation; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010477:Perfusion; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D011887:Raffinose / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*
D002314:Cardioplegic Solutions; C037096:Euro-Collins' solution; D006982:Hypertonic Solutions; D007328:Insulin; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; C055206:University of Wisconsin-lactobionate solution; D013373:Substance P; D000493:Allopurinol; D005978:Glutathione; D000241:Adenosine; D011887:Raffinose