Background: Maintaining proper homeostasis involving normal physiological level of extra- and intracellular solutions is one of the factors that determine restoring the life functions of a transplanted organ. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly developed Biolasol(®) solution in kidney storage and to compare its protective effect to the standard HTK solution.
Material/methods: Isolated porcine kidneys were perfused, preserved (24 and 48 h) and reperfused with Biolasol(®) and HTK solutions. The perfusate samples were used to analyze pH; the amount of released indicator enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); and the concentration of sodium, potassium and magnesium.
Results: Kidney storage in the HTK liquid may cause metabolic acidosis after 24 and 48 hour preservation (pH drop below 6.8). pH of perfusates sampled after perfusion and reperfusion with Biolasol(®) solution was within the range 6.8-7.7. The content of sodium ions during perfusion and reperfusion was the closest to the reference values while using the Biolasol(®) solution. Only Biolasol(®) ensured normal homeostasis of Mg2+ ions. In the presence of the HTK solution their level was significantly (more than 1000%) higher than the normal physiological value. For both solutions, ALT and AST activities were within the normal range or differed only slightly.
Conclusions: Biolasol(®) and HTK solutions protect kidneys against ischemic damage. Still, Biolasol(®) offers better homeostasis maintenance, which may suggest it more effectively preserves kidneys prior to transplantation.