[Effect of hypothermic preservation on ICAM-1 mRNA induction, leukocyte-endothelium interaction and microvascular perfusion after pancreas transplantation in the rat].

A prolonged period of 18 h hypothermic preservation in pancreas grafts led to a significant induction of ICAM-1 mRNA, enhanced leukocyte-adherence/-extravasation and compromised microvascular perfusion upon 2 h of reperfusion when compared to a 2 h preservation period. Therefore, during the period of prolonged cold ischemia changes within the graft must take place causing a reinforced ICAM-1 mRNA-induction already early after the onset of reperfusion. These results underline the relevance of the ischemia/reperfusion injury for the development of complications arising in the early course following pancreas transplantation.