A novel organ preservation solution with efficient clearance of red blood cells improves kidney transplantation in a canine model

Organ preservation solutions are designed to minimize organ damage during transplantation. A novel preservation solution, WMO-II, was developed to have a low viscosity and to improve microvasculature perfusion for kidneys. In an autologous canine transplantation model, kidney function and recovery were evaluated after organs were flushed and cold-stored with WMO-II or HTK solution, a perfusate currently approved for clinical use. The average number of red blood cells remaining in a single glomerulus after flushing with WMO-II was significantly reduced when compared with HTK solution. Additionally, WMO-II reduced the number of apoptotic bodies in stored kidneys compared to HTK treated tissue after 48 h of cold storage by reducing expression of Caspase-9, BiP, Chop, and Caspase-12. WMO-II solution reduced serum creatinine levels and serum potassium in kidneys stored for 48 h when compared to HTK perfusion. WMO-II preserves kidney function as evidenced by the reduction in serum creatinine and potassium during graft transplantation. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13578-018-0226-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.