Effect of ex vivo perfusion of isolated canine stomach with fluorocarbon on the composition of gastric tissues

Isolated canine stomachs were perfused for 6 h with fluorocarbon emulsion suspended in a simulated physiological solution of electrolytes with glucose added. Gastric mucosa and extramucosal tissues of perfused stomachs were sampled for biochemical analysis of high energy phosphates, glucose and electrolytes. Comparable samples were also taken from normal canine stomachs, dissected under similar surgical conditions as the stomachs used for perfusion. Gastric tissue ATP, ADP and AMP were reduced but CP was increased in the tissues perfused with fluorocarbon as compared with controls. Gastric tissue water content and sodium were increased but potassium was reduced in a stomach so perfused. The biochemical tests performed were considered as viability tests of organs preserved-perfused in fluorocarbon prior to possible transplantation. Significance of the changes observed is discussed in the light of the current knowledge on energy metabolism.