Transplantation of the uterus in the sheep: oxidative stress and reperfusion injury after short-time cold storage.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of cold ischemia and reperfusion after transplantation of the sheep uterus and to compare the preservation solution Perfadex (Vitrolife, Mölndal, Sweden) with Ringer's acetate.


METHODS
Experimental animal study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Adult, female sheep.


METHODS
One uterine horn with the common uterine cavity and cervix of sexually mature ewes was auto-transplanted after 1 hour of cold ischemic storage in either Perfadex (n = 5) or Ringer's acetate (n = 5). During 3 hours of reperfusion, uterine venous blood was collected and analyzed for several parameters that were indicative of oxidative stress and reperfusion injury. A biopsy was taken for histological analysis at the end of the experiment.


METHODS
Lipid peroxidation and ascorbyl radicals in uterine venous blood during reperfusion. Light microscopy and quantification of neutrophils in tissue after 3 hours of reperfusion.


RESULTS
A decline in pH and a rise in lactate and pCO(2)-pO(2), as well as an elevation of antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and intensity of ascorbyl radical electron spin resonance signal, was found that was more prominent after storage in Ringer's acetate. The histological analysis revealed mild inflammation in both study groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-time cold ischemic storage of the sheep uterus does not induce any severe reperfusion damage, but the use of the protective buffer Perfadex decreases oxidative stress and inflammation when compared with a more simple solution.
Wranning
Caiza A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. caiza.wranning@obgyn.gu.se
Dahm-Kähler
Pernilla
P
Mölne
Johan
J
Nilsson
Ulf A
UA
Enskog
Anders
A
Brännström
Mats
M
D000818:Animals; D002951:Citrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012756:Sheep; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000637:transplantation*
D002951:Citrates; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; C070005:Perfadex