Reduced susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in cold ischemic rabbit kidneys after addition of desferrioxamine, mannitol, or uric acid to the flush solution.

Rabbit kidneys were stored for 24 hr at 0 degree C after single passage arterial flush with 30 ml of cold isotonic 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) solution alone or saline to which was added 12, 30, or 60 mM desferrioxamine, 1 or 3 mM uric acid, or 100 mM mannitol. They were then subjected to in vitro biochemical assay for evidence of free radical damage immediately after storage. Results were compared to those obtained with fresh, unstored kidneys. Levels of Schiff base fluorescence, diene conjugates, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive material were each significantly elevated in kidneys stored for 24 hr after flush with saline alone. These levels were in turn each significantly reduced by the addition of 60 mM desferrioxamine, 3 mM uric acid, and 100 mM mannitol to the flush solution. Likewise, glutathione redox activity fell in those flushed with saline alone, presumably in line with increased lipid peroxidation, but was restored to control levels by inclusion of the three scavenging agents.