Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed an improved solution for preserving organs. The university is now looking to take the research on towards product development and is seeking industrial partners to license/develop this technology.
The new organ preservation solution targets nitric oxide (NO) in the endothelium. Regulation of NO plays a crucial role in ensuring the vascular system remains open and free from blockages.
The team compared the existing preservation solution containing glutathione, with their new solution, which contains S-nitrosoglutathione, a nitrogen oxide donor. They investigated endothelial cell survival after a period of oxidative stress and vascular function after experimental ischaemia-reperfusion.
The results indicate the new solution would enable an organ to last longer before transplantation than the solutions that are in use currently.
By reducing the level of endothelial degeneration that occurs while the organ is deprived of a fresh oxygen supply the solution increases the amount of time an organ can be stored before it is transplanted. In addition, there is evidence that the solution has sustained vasodilatory, and potentially anti-platelet effects, long after restoration of blood flow to the organ.
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