Long-lasting hypoxic preservation of porcine kidney cells. Beneficial effect of taurine on viability and metabolism in a simplified transplantation model.

Taurine administered during hypoxia reduced the cell damage due to O2 deficiency markedly. The beneficial effect outlasted the period of reoxygenation. The mechanisms for the improved survival rates are postulated in a reduced osmoregulatory disturbance of cellular integrity, improved Ca2+ homeostasis and induction of accelerated cellular growth processes. We conclude that taurine supplementation of the conventionally used kidney preservation solution (UW) improves this "gold standard" kidney preservation solution markedly.