Assessment of cellular viability in cardiovascular tissue as studied with 3Hproline and 3Hinulin.

Study Objective: The aim of the study was to develop a quantifiable assay for the assessment of cellular viability in cardiovascular tissue.
Design: Radiolabelled proline and inulin were used to assess metabolic viability of the cellular component of cuspal tissue from porcine heart valves.
Experimental Materials: Pig hearts were removed within 20 min of death and transported on ice in tissue culture medium. Cuspal tissues were dissected rapidly and held on ice in physiological medium until assayed.
Main Results: Radiolabelled inulin was shown to be a useful marker for determining the amount of radiolabelled proline present in the extracellular tissue volume, permitting calculation of the amount of radiolabelled proline accumulated by the cellular component. Proline accumulation by the cellular component was affected by concentration of proline, time allowed for proline accumulation, in vitro cold ischaemia, and metabolic poisons. Based on mg tissue protein, proline and inulin accumulations were equivalent for aortic, pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valve tissues, suggesting that these valve tissues may be used interchangeably in assessment of metabolic viability of cellular components of cardiovascular tissue.
Conclusion: Radiolabelled proline and inulin transport assays allow a quantitative estimate of total cellular viability.