Comparative evaluation of Celsior solution versus Viaspan in a pig liver transplantation model

Background. In a pig liver transplantation model, we compared the effects o f Celsior solution (CS), an extracellular preservation solution, with Viasp an (University of Wisconsin solution, UW) on graft function and animal surv ival. Methods. Pig livers were flushed with either CS or UW solution and cold-sto red for 12 hr (group 1) or for 8 to 10 hr (group 2). Grafts were transplant ed orthotopically, Intrahepatic reduced and oxidized glutathione and adenin e nucleotides were evaluated 1 hr after reperfusion. Liver function of tran splanted animals was monitored for up to 6 days by serum transaminases, tot al bilirubin, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and prothrombin levels. Results. In group 1, all animals died within 24 hr after reperfusion regard less of the preservation solution used. In group 2, no significant differen ce was seen in survival between the CS (72%) and the UW (67%) groups 6 days after transplantation, and there were no statistically significant differe nces in the biochemical data. There were no differences in histological eva luation of the livers at the time of death or killing of the animals betwee n the CS and UW groups. Conclusion. Within the limits of this pilot study, CS is equivalent to UW i n terms of graft function and animal survival.