Low viscosity histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate graft flush improves subsequent extended cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution in an extracorporeal rat liver perfusion and rat liver transplantation model

Adequate flushing for liver donation requires large fluid volumes delivered at a high flow. This can be achieved more effectively with crystalloid solutions than with colloid‐based solutions. This study examined the combination of initial histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate solution (HTK) graft flush and subsequent storage in University of Wisconsin solution (UW) to that of the single use of each solution. Livers from inbred Wistar rats were procured using aortic perfusion with UW or HTK for initial perfusion and reflushed after 30 minutes using either solution. In a third group, after perfusion with HTK, organs were reflushed with UW. A 60‐minute in‐vitro recirculating perfusion was performed after 24 hours of cold storage in the subsequent solution, as well as allotransplantation after 18 and 24 hours of cold storage. In extracorporeal perfusion, the HTK flush followed by UW storage was superior compared to the single use of either UW or HTK solution, as measured by portal venous pressure, bile flow, liver enzymes released into the effluent perfusate, glycerol leakage, and histological examinations. These data were consistent with the transplantation study. Histological damage and enzyme release after 5‐day survival were lowest in the HTK flush and subsequent UW storage groups following 18 hours of cold storage; likewise, the 5‐day survival was superior following 24 hours of cold storage. In conclusion, the combined use of HTK solution for initial graft rinse and subsequent storage in UW solution resulted in a cumulative protection. Choosing low‐viscosity HTK solution for the initial organ flush may represent a feasible improvement in liver preservation, which also further reduces the required amount of UW solution. Liver Transpl 12:1841‐1849, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.