IMPROVED LONG-TERM PRESERVATION OF THE CORONARY VASCULATURE WITH UNIVERSITY-OF-WISCONSIN SOLUTION

Experiments were designed to investigate coronary vascular function after prolonged cold storage of isolated rat hearts, using University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. Hearts perfused with crystalloid cardioplegic solution (Plegisol((R))) were used as controls. After perfusion with 10 mi at 4 degrees C, hearts were stored for 1 or 10 hours in the respective solutions at 4 degrees C. To evaluate coronary vascular function after perfusion and storage, endothelium-dependent vasodilation was induced with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and smooth muscle-dependent dilation with nitroglycerin (GTN). After perfusion only, or perfusion plus 1-hour storage, there was no intergroup difference in response to 5-HT and GTN. After 10-hour storage the vasodilatory response to 5-HT was abolished in the Plegisol group a:nd slight vasoconstriction was observed, whereas ill the UW group the vasodilatory effect of 5-HT persisted. The findings suggest that UW solution may be more favorable for prolonged cardiac preservation, as the coronary vascular reactivity was less affected.