Comparison of solutions for preservation of the rabbit liver as tested by isolated perfusion.

The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution consists of a relatively complex mixture of agents. In this study we compared simpler preservation solutions, namely, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) and phosphate-buffered sucrose (PBS) with different compositions of UW solution in the isolated perfused rabbit liver model. Livers were stored cold for 24 and 48 h. After 24 h of preservation, the amount of bile produced in UW-preserved livers was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that in HTK-preserved livers. Also, there was less LDH released into the perfusate in UW-preserved livers. There was more edema and lower K +/Na+rations in HTK-preserved livers than in UW-preserved livers (all data P < 0.05). After 48 h of preservation, the differences between livers preserved in UW or HTK solution were less noticeable than at 24 h and bile production was similar. LDH and AST release were greater in HTK-preserved livers than in UW livers, but these differences were not statistically significant. Preservation in PBS for 48 h was worse than in either UW or HTK solution. Substitution of polyethylene glycol (PEG) for hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in 48-h UW-preserved livers was not effective. We conclude that solutions simpler in composition than UW solution may be effective in kidney transplantation but do not appear suitable for successful liver preservation.