| abstract |
A blood substitute which contains a purge solution and a maintenance solution, the latter of which is useful for organ preservation is disclosed. The purge solution contains an aqueous solution of electrolytes at physiological concentrations, a macromolecular oncotic agent, a biological pH buffer, a simple sugar, and a substrate for the regeneration of ATP. The maintenance solution contains a second aqueous solution of electrolytes containing potassium ions (35-45 mM), sodium ions (80-120 mM), magnesium ions (2-10 mM), chloride ions (15-20 mM), and calcium ions (0.01-0.1 mM), an impermeant anion, mannitol, a macromolecular oncotic agent, at least one simple sugar, a substrate for the regeneration of ATP, and a biological pH buffer. Glutathione is an optional additive. The blood substitute solutions are also useful for preserving organs for later transplantation in subjects. Skin may be preserved in the maintenance solutions for extended periods under refrigeration. |