72-Hour Preservation of the Canine Pancreas

A new flushout solution for preservation of the pancreas was tested in the dog model of segmental pancreas autotransplantation. The solution osmolality was 320 mOsm/L, K+ = 120 mM, Na+ = 30 mM, and it contained the anion, lactobionate, and raffinose as impermeants to the cell. Preservation times studied were 48 and 72 hr. The pancreas was flushed out with about 250 ml of the new solution and stored at 0 degrees C. Dogs were monitored postoperatively for blood glucose and intravenous glucose tolerance (IVGTT). Results were compared with control (no preservation) segmental pancreas autotransplants. Dogs receiving pancreases stored for 48 or 72 hr were normoglycemic on day one and remained normoglycemic for at least 28 days, or until time of sacrifice. Two of four dogs with pancreases stored for 48 hr were sacrificed on day 14 with normal IVGTT for histology. The remaining two dogs had normal pancreatic function for 28 days. Two of eight dogs receiving pancreas grafts after 72-hr cold storage died of causes unrelated to the pancreas graft, which was still functioning at the time of death. Six dogs remained normoglycemic and had a normal IVGTT at least for 28 days. This study demonstrates the feasibility of preserving the pancreas for three days for transplantation.