Identification of a Free Radical Scavenger as an Additive for Lung Transplant Preservation Solution to Inhibit Coagulative Necrosis and Extend Organ Preservation

Among the routine organs being transplanted, the lungs and heart deteriorate the fastest during transport from the donor to the recipient. Only 15–20% of cadaveric donor lungs are usable for transplant. Lungs can be preserved for transport in cold ischemic, hypothermic preservation solutions for only 4 to 6 hours. Extending lung preservation time would allow for greater organ transport distances, as well as for better assessment and repair of harvested organs. This research aims to extend the transport life of lungs in hypothermic preservation solution. Significant coagulative necrosis, a pattern of cell damage due to free radicals, develops in the donated lung during cold storage transport. We hypothesized that application of antioxidants can prevent free radical–induced cell damage; the goal of this study is to identify antioxidants that are effective in reducing free radical–induced damage to lungs over time. To accomplish this goal, several antioxidants were evaluated for preserving bovine lung cell morphology at two time points. Vitamin E and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were found to be the most effective at arresting cell damage. We recommend further evaluation of different concentrations of vitamin E and BHT as additives to organ preservation solutions used today.