LDH release into perfusates of preserved kidneys.

The measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into perfusates after hypothermic storage was found to be a reliable index of ischemic injury of rabbit kidneys. Kidneys were exposed to warm and cold ischemia for varying periods. Each kidney was perfused before and after storage at simple hypothermia with 25 ml of a modified Collins solution. The venous effuent was collected in 5 ml fractions. Total LDH activity was measured in the first fraction after storage and used as a measure of ischemic tissue damage. It was confirmed that increasing the period of cold ischemia result in significant increases in LDH activity. The release of LDH into perfusates was then used to compare kidney damage after preservation with various fluids. With this method, it was not possible to demonstrate any difference in the extent of tissue damage after preservation with sodium-rich vs. potassium-rich perfusion fluid. Addition of steroids, vitamins and essential amino acids did not prevent or reduce tissue damage, estimated in this way. The effects of adding cryoprotectants to the perfusion fluid varied; LDH release following addition of 5% DMSO was significantly greater, and after addition of 5% glycerol smaller than the release after perfusion with a modified Collins solution alone. Stepwise addition of DMSO up to 20% resulted in serious tissue damage with a large LDH release into the perfusate.