Evaluation of liver preservation solutions by using rats transgenic for luciferase.

Introduction: The solution in which graft tissue is stored (that is, preservation solution) is an important component of liver transplantation technology. Its protective effect is induced by substances in the solution, including radical scavengers, buffers, and energy-giving substances. New preservation solutions have proven to be effective in preventing organ damage during cold ischemia and in extending the time limits for storage.
Aim: This study determined the relationship between luminescence intensity and content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in liver tissue and proposes a new ex vivo screening system that uses Lewis rats transgenic for luciferase for evaluating the effectiveness of preservation solutions.
Methods: Samples (diameter, 2 mm) of liver were obtained from transgenic rats. The viability of these tissues after storage for as long as 6 hours in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, extracellular trehalose solution of Kyoto, Euro-Collins (EC) solution, histidine-tryptophan-ketoflutarate solution, low potassium dextran solution, or normal saline was assessed by determining ATP content and luminescence intensity.
Results: Luminescence had a linear relationship (R = 0.88) with ATP levels. Regardless of the preservation solution used, the luminescence intensities of the liver tissue chips decreased linearly with time especially through a short span of time (0 to 2 hours; R(2) = 0.58-1.0). The luminescence of liver chip tissues maintained long term (2 to 6 hours) in UW solution tended to be higher than those of tissues stored in other solutions (P < .05; 6 hours). On the basis of luminescence intensity, EC might be preferable to the other solutions tested for ultra-short-term storage (0.5 to 2 hours).
Conclusion: Our model, which combines the use of the bioimaging system and Lewis rats transgenic for luciferase, effectively assessed the viability of liver tissue samples. We believe that this ex vivo screening system will be an effective tool for evaluating preservation solutions for liver grafts.
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