Preserved vascular reactivity of rat renal arteries after cold storage

Abstract

In cultured renal tubular cells hypothermia results in cell damage caused by iron-dependent formation of reactive oxygen species. It is unknown whether cold preservation affects function of renal vessels. Rat renal arcuate arteries were stored in a physiological salt solution at 4 °C for 24 h and compared to control arteries (not stored). To some of the stored arteries the iron chelator 2,2 ′-dipyridyl was added. Endothelium-independent vasoconstriction was assessed by cumulative concentration–response curves for potassium and phenylephrine in a small vessel myograph. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was assessed with sodium nitroprusside and endothelium-dependent vasodilation with histamine. Cold storage for 24 h did not affect vascular reactivity of renal small arteries and no influence of the iron chelator was seen. Since 24 h of cold storage considerable damages renal tubular cells both in vitro and after kidney transplantation, these results suggest that renal arteries are less sensitive to cold-induced damage than tubular cells.