Ameliorating Small Bowel Injury Using a Cavitary Two-Layer Preservation Method with Perfluorocarbon and a Nutrient-Rich Solution

Abstract

The aim of this study was to improve small bowel (SB) quality during cold storage by combining two proven preservation strategies involving perfluorocarbon (PFC) and a novel luminal amino acid-rich solution.Rodent SB was flushed vascularly with UW solution and flushed luminally as follows: Group 1 (control) – no luminal flush, stored in UW; Group 2 – luminal UW solution, stored in PFC; Group 3 – luminal amino-acid (AA) solution, stored in PFC; and Group 4 – luminal AA solution, stored in AA solution. Energetics, histology and mucosal function/electrophysiology were assessed over 24 h at 4 °C.ATP was consistently greater in Groups 2–4 than in the Control Group. Groups 3 and 4 exhibited significantly greater ATP, ATP/ADP ratios and energy charge levels after 12-h storage than in the other Groups. Histologic injury was generally lower in the AA-treated tissues (Groups 3 and 4); after 24 h, only minor epithelial clefting (Park's median grade 2) was present in Group 4; and consistent transmural infarction (grade 8) was evident in Groups 1 and 2.Combined treatment with luminal amino acid solution and oxygenated storage solution (PFC or AA solution) significantly improves energetics and mucosal function. This strategy may have implications for successful SB preservation in the clinic.