Hypothermic preservation of rat liver microorgans (LMOs) in bes-gluconate solution. Protective effects of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) on total water content and functional viability.

We have reported of an alternative solution to preserve hepatocytes that have three key components: gluconate, sucrose and an aminosulfonic acid (BGS solution). In order to extend the use of this solution to organs as the liver, we evaluate the effect of the addition of PEG of 8, 20 and 35 kDa to BG Solution on the total water content and functional viability of rat liver microorgans (LMOs). LMOs were preserved (48 h 0 ºC) in the following solutions: ViaSpan(®); BGS; BG plus 4% PEG 8000 (BG8); BG plus 4% PEG 20.000 (BG20) and BG plus 4% PEG 35.000 (BG35). LDH Release and Total Water Content showed a marked increase in LMOs preserved in BGS. This indicates that, in the absence of PEG, the tissue showed important cell membrane integrity deterioration and was incapable of regulating cell volume. After the preservation period, all groups were reoxygenated (120 min, 37 ºC, KHR) and Total Water Content, Glycogen Content and Oxygen Consumption were determined. After 120 min LMOs preserved in BG35 showed values of Oxygen Consumption similar to controls. On the other hand, LMOs preserved in BG8, BG20 and ViaSpan(®) showed oxygen consumption rates and glycogen content significantly smaller than controls. In conclusion, BG35 was the most effective preservation solution to protect LMOs against cold preservation injury due to ischemia and reoxygenation. It is a good alternative to ViaSpan(®) because of its higher buffer capacity, its best indexes of respiration activity and for being considerably less expensive.