Background. The mechanisms responsible for liver damage during cold storage
are still not completely understood. We have investigated the role played
by alterations of Na+ homeostasis in cell injury during cold hypoxia.
Methods. The changes in Na+ distribution were investigated in isolated rat
hepatocytes stored at 4 degrees C under hypoxic conditions.
Results. Hepatocyte cold stored up to 72 hr in Krebs-Henseleit-Hepes buffer
showed a progressive increase in intracellular Nat content that preceded t
he loss of cell viability. Na+ accumulation and cell death were prevented u
sing Na+-free, acidic (pH 6.5) or glycine-supplemented storage media. The N
a+ ionophore monensin reverted the cytoprotection exerted by glycine and by
the acidic medium, but not that given by Na+ free Krebs-Henseleit-Hepes. A
low Na+ content was also important for the cytoprotection observed using U
niversity of Wischonsin solution.
Conclusions. Na+ overload might contribute to liver graft injury occurring
during cold storage.