Biological aging significantly decreases BSM caveolae number and morphology with associated selective alteration in caveolin protein expression. Since caveolae are protected membrane regions that regulate signal transduction, age-related alterations in caveolae and caveolin protein expression could alter BSM contractility resulting in bladder dysfunctions of the elderly.

Organ preservation at 48C results in temporally irreversible injury to cellular structure and function. This study was designed to evaluate the possibility of storing hearts at ambient temperatures in novel organ preservation solution Somah to prevent damage and preserve optimum function by maintaining cellular energy over the temperature range of storage. Porcine hearts were stored in Celsior at 48C and Somah at 48C, 138C and 218C for 5 h thereafter reperfused and reanimated in vitro for 3 h. Heart weights, histopathology, ultrastructure and 2-dimensional echocardiography (2D-Echo) assessments showed preservation of structure in Somah groups. Tissue high-energy phosphate levels in Somah groups after storage were significantly greater than the Celsior hearts (p < 0.05) and highest in the 218C Somah hearts. Upon reperfusion, myocardial O 2 consumption and lactate levels quickly achieved steady state in 218C hearts, but were delayed in Somah 4/138C groups and severely depressed in the Celsior group. Inotrope and electroconversion requirements were inversely related to storage temperature. In vitro 2D Echo demonstrated a discordantly attenuated function in the Celsior group, moderate functionality in 48C Somah group and superior reestablishment of performance in the Somah higher temperature groups. Hearts stored in Somah at 218C were metabolically and functionally superior to any other groups.