Timed Sequential Ultrastructural Changes of Canine Kidneys Unflushed and After Flushing with Plasma

Abstract

Several methods and solutions have been used to preserve kidneys for transplantation. Among these are Collins C4; Ringer's Lactate and by perfusion by the (Belzer) LI-400 preservation system using plasma. In this experiment we hope to demonstrate ultrastructural changes of kidneys which were flushed with plasma, compared to kidneys which were unflushed.Eight dogs were used in our experiments. Each dog was anesthesized, the kidneys exposed, biopsied and then removed. Four dogs were sacrificed. One kidney from each dog was flushed with 150 ml of cold plasma, the other was left unflushed. They were then immersed in iced saline and kept at 0° to 4°C for the duration of the experiment. Biopsy times were 0, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours. The kidneys of the four remaining dogs were autografted at various intervals to compare ultrastructural changes with viability. All biopsy specimens were prepared for electron microscopy.