Effect of two storage solutions on proteolysis in isolated rat livers

One process identified as detrimental during liver preservation is proteolysis. The aim of this study was to test two preservation media, the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and a simplified variant so-called Cochin (Co) solution with respect to their potential antiproteolytic effect. A model of isolated rat liver perfused after 24-h cold storage was used. Graft viability was assessed on biochemical and functional parameters. Proteolysis was assessed on amino acid metabolism. Survival of rats following orthotopic transplantation of 18-h cold-stored livers was determined. Proteolysis, assessed on valine release in the preservation solution, was limited in UW (0.12±0.01 versus 0.18±0.03 μmol/g liver, p