PROSTAGLANDIN E(1) OR PROSTACYCLIN IN EURO-COLLINS SOLUTION FAILS TO IMPROVE LUNG PRESERVATION

Background. In search of the ideal composition of the flush solution f or pulmonary preservation, we studied the effects of prostaglandin E(1 ) (PGE(1)) and prostacyclin as an additive to Euro-Collins solution (E CS) on pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange in a porcine single lun g transplantation model using extracorporeal circulation and right hea rt bypass. Methods. Twenty-two pigs served as donors. The animals were randomized to receive either modified ECS alone (control group, n = 8 ), ECS with 100 mu g/L of PGE(1) (PGE, group, n = 6), or ECS with 200 mu g/L of prostacyclin (prostacyclin group, n = 8). Left lung transpla ntation was performed in 22 recipients after approximately 4 hours of cold ischemia. Results. Carbon dioxide elimination was significantly d epressed in the two prostaglandin groups, and the use of PGE(1) was as sociated with a significant decrease in arterial oxygen tension compar ed with the control group. Both drugs were inefficient in alleviating the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance after transplantation. C onclusion. The use of prostaglandins as constituents of the hush solut ion was not followed by any improvement of early graft function after cold ischemia.