Comparative results of prolonged hypothermic storage of canine kidneys preserved with hyperosmolar colloid (TP-II) or crystalloid (Euro-Collins) solution.

The function of kidneys stored for 48 to 72 hours in hypertonic crystalloid, intracellular solution, Euro-Collins (360 mOsm./l.), was compared with those stored in a new hyperosmolar (520 mOsm./l.) colloid solution designated as TP-II. The TP-II solution contained less K2HPO4 (1.05 gm./l.) and KH2PO4 (317 gm./l.) and more glucose (40 gm./l.) than the Euro-Collins, and also had an albumin concentration of 4.3 gm./dl. Kidneys obtained from beagle dogs were flushed with either Euro-Collins or TP-II solution (4C). Hypothermic storage followed for either 48 or 72 hours, prior to autotransplantation into the iliac fossa and contralateral nephrectomy. Four experimental groups were transplanted as follows: group 1 (n = 8) and group 2 (n = 7) received kidneys that were flushed with 250 ml. of Euro-Collins or TP-II solution, respectively, prior to 48 hours hypothermic storage. Group 3 (n = 5) and group 4 (n = 5) received kidneys that were flushed in the same way as those in groups 1 and 2, respectively, but were stored for a 72-hour period. TP-II appears to be superior to Euro-Collins for hypothermic storage of kidneys for periods as long as 48 hours. When hypothermic storage times are extended to 72 hours, the number of kidneys with normal function after transplantation is reduced for both solutions, however, TP-II solution has a slight advantage over Euro-Collins solution. Further studies will hopefully clarify this issue and lead to the application of TP-II in the clinical setting.