PROTON SPIN-SPIN RELAXATION-TIMES AS LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION GRAFT VIABILITY PARAMETER

In this study, spin-spin relaxation time T2 of stored rat liver grafts was investigated and correlated with other viability parameters. Five different storage solutions were applied and T2 as well as overall ti ssue water content, bile flow, and energy charge were determined for i ncreasing durations of cold storage (1-48 hr). Good correlation betwee n T2 and tissue water content was detected. In a subset of experiments , dealing with additional warm ischemia after cold storage, the relati ve increase of T2 and energy charge showed a very good correlation. Th e results suggest the possible use of relaxation time parameters as li ver graft viability parameter in a combined protocol of rapid viabilit y assays for human liver transplantation surgery.