The effects of adding methylprednisolone to low-potassium dextran solution on preserved ischemic lungs

Abstract

To investigate the effects of adding methylprednisolone to low-potassium dextran solution on cold-preserved ischemic lungs. Materials and methods: The study included 42 rat lung blocks that were divided into 7 groups (n = 6). Lung blocks were preserved in 40 mL of cold Perfadex solution, to which 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg kg-1 (approximately 40, 120, 240, 480, and 960 mg L-1) of methylprednisolone were added. After a 24-h preservation period, the lungs were removed from the solution and examined. Results: As compared to the Perfadex only group, cell death and degeneration were significantly higher in the Perfadex + methylprednisolone groups (P < 0.05). MDA and IL-8 levels were higher in all Perfadex + methylprednisolone groups. Statistically significant differences were observed between some of these groups. Antioxidant enzyme activity was generally higher in the Perfadex + methylprednisolone groups than in the Perfadex only group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding methylprednisolone to low-potassium dextran solution does not have any beneficial effects but has possible deleterious effects in rat lung preservation.