Impact of Celsior solution on hepatocellular, reperfusion and endothelial cell injury after liver transplantation

Abstract

Background: Initially, preservation solutions were developed to maintain cell function of the transplanted organs. However, recently developed preservation solutions also contain a variety of substances to reduce the reperfusion injury.

Aim: To study the effect of three different preservation solutions on the liver cell injury, endothelial cell function and reperfusion injury after liver transplantation.

Material and methods: Large White X Landrace pigs of either sex were subjected to orthotopic liver transplantation. Donor livers were flushed and stored in University of Wisconsin Solution, Eurocollins Solution or Celsior Solution for 3 hours. Blood samples were taken at various times post transplantation for assessment of aspartate aminotransferase, hyaluronic acid, malondialdehyde and Vitamin A levels.

Results: Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were lower in the livers preserved in the Wisconsin solution. Plasma malondialdehyde levels were lower and serum Vitamin A levels were higher in the livers preserved in Celsior solution. Serum hyaluronic acid levels increased after liver transplantation but were similar with all three solutions.

Conclusions: There was less hepato-cellular injury in the livers preserved in Wisconsin solution and less reperfusion injury with the Celsior solution. The endothelial cell injury was similar with all three solutions.