Cell volume and ionic transport systems after cold preservation of coronary endothelial cells

Background. Hypothermia-induced changes in cell volume and ionic transport systems of coronary endothelial cells may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease in cardiac transplant recipients. Methods. Coronary endothelial cells were incubated in University of Wiscons in solution or culture control medium for up to 48 hours at 4 degreesC. Par allel control cultures were incubated at 37 degreesC. Na/K-ATPase and Na/K/ Cl cotransport activities were determined as ouabain- and furosemide-sensit ive Rb-86(+) uptake, respectively. Cell volume changes and cell death were analyzed by a FACScan flow cytometer and the release of lactate dehydrogena se, respectively. Results. Coronary endothelial cells stored in University of Wisconsin solut ion up to 6 hours showed an increased Na/K-ATPase activity compared to cont rol cells, whereas no changes were observed in Na/K/Cl cotransport activity or cell volume. Long-term preservation (24 and 58 hours) was associated wi th a partial loss of cell viability, as demonstrated by lactate dehydrogena se release, and dramatic alterations in ionic transport system activities. Conclusions. University of Wisconsin solution seems to prevent coronary end othelial tells Na/K/Cl cotransport activity changes during cold preservatio n, which could alter cell volume regulation and cause cell injury. (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.