Redefining the properties of an osmotic agent in an intestinal-specific preservation solution.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of dextrans of various molecular weights (Mw) during a 12 h cold storage time-course on energetics, histology and mucosal infiltration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran.


METHODS
Rodent intestines were isolated and received a standard University of Wisconsin vascular flush followed by intraluminal administration of a nutrient-rich preservation solution containing dextrans of varying Mw: Group D1, 73 kdal; Group D2, 276 kdal; Group D3, 534 kdal; Group D4, 1185 kdal; Group D5, 2400 kdal.


RESULTS
Using FITC-labeled dextrans, fluorescent micrographs demonstrated varying degrees of mucosal infiltration; lower Mw (groups D1-D3: 73-534 kdal) dextrans penetrated the mucosa as early as 2 h, whereas the largest dextran (D5: 2400 kdal) remained captive within the lumen and exhibited no permeability even after 12 h. After 12 h, median injury grades ranged from 6.5 to 7.5 in groups D1-D4 (73-1185 kdal) representing injury of the regenerative cryptal regions and submucosa; this was in contrast to group D5 (2400 kdal) which exhibited villus denudation (with intact crypts) corresponding to a median injury grade of 4 (P < 0.05). Analysis of tissue energetics reflected a strong positive correlation between Mw and adenosine triphosphate (r(2) = 0.809), total adenylates (r(2) = 0.865) and energy charge (r(2) = 0.667).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate that dextrans of Mw > 2400 kdal act as true impermeant agents during 12 h ischemic storage when incorporated into an intraluminal preservation solution.
Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 2D2.28 Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada.
Kimberly
K
Schlachter
Matthew S
MS
Kokotilo
Jodi
J
Carter
Aducio
A
Thiesen
Angela
A
Ochs
Rachel G
RG
Khadaroo
Thomas A
TA
Churchill
D000241:Adenosine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D050377:Cold Ischemia / Q000009:adverse effects; D003911:Dextrans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D005978:Glutathione / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D007328:Insulin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D008970:Molecular Weight; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009995:Osmosis; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010539:Permeability; D011887:Raffinose / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors
D003911:Dextrans; D007328:Insulin; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; C055206:University of Wisconsin-lactobionate solution; C015219:fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran; D000493:Allopurinol; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D005978:Glutathione; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D000241:Adenosine; D011887:Raffinose