| abstract |
The present invention provides an aqueous solution for organ preservation or maintenance, including: a vasodilator in an amount sufficient to maintain vascular homeostasis; D-glucose in an amount sufficient to support intracellular function and maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; magnesium ions in an amount sufficient to support intracellular function and maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; macromolecules of molecular weight greater than 20,000 daltons in an amount sufficient to maintain endothelial integrity and cellular viability; potassium ions in a concentration greater than about 110 mM; and a buffer in an amount sufficient to maintain the average pH of the organ preservation or maintenance solution during the period of organ preservation at about the physiologic pH value. The invention also provides a method of preserving or maintaining an organ, including contacting the organ with the solution. |