Beneficial effect of low concentrations of cryoprotective agents on short-term rabbit kidney perfusion.

This report describes observations concerning the influence of the addition of 0.3 M cryoprotective agents (propylene glycol or glycerol) to Ringer's albumin solution used for rabbit kidney perfusion for periods of less than 4 and 24 hr. Endogenous creatinine clearance during short-term parabiotic perfusion on a shunt was used to evaluate function after perfusion. The findings were (A) Perfusion for less than 4 hr resulted in a significant loss of function by comparison with 1 hr ice-stored controls. (B) Continuing the perfusion for 24 hr resulted in a further significant fall in function. Much of the early perfusional injury seen in these two groups could be avoided by including 0.3 M cryoprotective agents in the perfusate.