Endothelial cell injury induced by preservation solutions: a confocal microscopy study.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the effects of standard preservation solutions on cultured human greater saphenous vein endothelial cells.


METHODS
Endothelial cells (eight strains) were preincubated for 6 or 24 hours at 4 degrees C in Celsior, Euro-Collins, St. Thomas Hospital II, and University of Wisconsin solutions, reincubated in warm oxygenated culture medium 199, and observed up to 48 hours. Culture viability was assessed through cell counting and confocal microscopy of calcein loaded cells.


RESULTS
Incubation in both Euro-Collins and St. Thomas, but not in Celsior or University of Wisconsin solutions, caused significant cells losses and diffuse morphological damages characterized by solution-specific distinctive alterations. Injury caused by 6-hour, but not by 24-hour treatment, was reversible.


CONCLUSIONS
The incubation with Celsior and University of Wisconsin solutions substantially preserved endothelial viability and proliferative capability. Conversely, a prolonged incubation in either Euro-Collins or St. Thomas solutions caused severe and potentially irreversible damage referable to the induction of, respectively, apoptotic or necrotic changes.
Alamanni
Francesco
F
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centro Cardiologico-Fondazione I Monzino IRCCS, University of Milan, Italy.
Parolari
Alessandro
A
Visigalli
Rossana
R
Bussolati
Ovidio
O
Rubini
Patrizia
P
Sala
Roberto
R
Bonati
Luigi
L
Gazzola
Gian Carlo
GC
Biglioli
Paolo
P
Dall'Asta
Valeria
V
D000368:Aged; D002314:Cardioplegic Solutions / Q000633:toxicity*; D002452:Cell Count; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged
D002314:Cardioplegic Solutions