Proton spin-lattice relaxation time as liver transplantation graft viability parameter.

In this study proton NMR T1 of stored rat liver grafts was investigated and correlated with other viability parameters. Five different storage solutions were used and T1 as well as overall tissue water content, bile flow, and energy charge were determined after various periods of cold storage (1 to 48 hr). A good correlation between T1 and tissue water content was detected, suggesting the possible use of this relaxation time parameter as liver graft viability parameter in a combined protocol of rapid viability assays for human liver transplantation surgery.