Structure and Function of Porcine Arteries Are Preserved for up to 6 Days Using the HypoRP Cold-storage Solution

Abstract

Background. Maintaining functional vessels during preservation of vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) remains a major challenge. The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution has demonstrated significant short-term benefits (4–6 h). Here we determined whether the new hypothermic resuscitation and preservation solution HypoRP improves both structure, survival, and function of pig arteries during storage for up to 6 days. Methods. Using porcine swine mesenteric arteries, the effects of up to 6-day incubation in a saline (PBS), UW, or HypoRP solution on the structure, cell viability, metabolism, and function were determined. Results. After incubation at 4°C, for up to 6 days, the structures of the arteries were significantly disrupted, especially the tunica media, following incubation in PBS, in contrast with incubation in the HypoRP solution and to a lesser extent, in UW solution. Those disruptions were associated with increased active caspase 3 indicative of apoptosis. Additionally, while incubation in PBS led to a significant decrease in the metabolic activity, UW and HypoRP solutions allowed a stable to increased metabolic activity following 6 days of cold storage. Functional responsiveness to phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) decreased over time for artery rings stored in PBS and UW solution but not for those stored in HypoRP solution. Moreover, artery rings cold-stored in HypoRP solution were more sensitive to ATP. Conclusions. The HypoRP solution improved long-term cold storage of porcine arteries by limiting structural alterations, including the collagen matrix, reducing apoptosis, and maintaining artery contraction-relaxation functions for up to 6 days.

Preservation of Adrenoceptor and Endothelin Receptor Mediated Vasoconstriction and of Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation after Cold Storage of Explanted Blood Vessels for ex vivo Analyses

“…Owing to the importance of blood vessel function in organs after transplantation, organ storage solutions have often been analyzed for their ability to maintain blood vessel function. Initial attempts to improve the storage of donor hearts in the HTK solution were performed in rat aortas [9, 10], whereas the storage of donor livers in an improved UW solution (HypoRP) was assessed in porcine arteries [11].…”

“…Initial attempts to improve the storage of donor hearts in the HTK solution were performed in rat aortas [9,10], whereas the storage of donor livers in an improved UW solution (HypoRP) was assessed in porcine arteries [11].…”