Wonder organ transplant solution

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BBC News 12th Jan 06

Wonder organ transplant solution

Scientists and transplant surgeons in Edinburgh have

developed a new preservative which should improve the success rate of organ

transplants.

They have produced a new solution which prevents blood clots inside the organ,

making it more likely that the transplant will work.

It is thought the liquid increases the length of time organs can be preserved.

This could make it possible to transport organs long distances and improve the

chances of a good match.

Using a chemical, which contains nitric oxide, scientists have been monitoring

the results of replacing the preserving liquid containing glutathione.

This could facilitate transporting organs

internationally for specific donors, improving the chances of a good tissue

match - Professor Ian Megson

Former Edinburgh University lecturer

Tests showed nitric oxide kept blood vessels open, which can also reduce

clotting.

Cells lining blood vessels were also protected against harmful free radicals

produced by oxygen in the recipient's blood after transplantation, they said.

The scientists said preserving this layer of cells - the endothelium - is vital

to making sure enough blood flows to the organ after transplantation.

The endothelium releases agents that relax blood vessels and prevent clots

forming.

Professor Ian Megson, formerly a senior lecturer in cardiovascular science at

the University of Edinburgh, said:

" Our experiments so far have been based on analysing the effect of the

solution on cultured cells and in isolated blood vessels, but we now hope to

investigate the impact in the organs themselves.

" The results so far are extremely promising. Not only do they offer a

greater chance of transplantation success, but they also suggest that organs

might be able to be kept for longer prior to transplantation.

" This could facilitate transporting organs internationally for specific

donors, improving the chances of a good tissue match. "

'More time'

Professor Garden, professor of clinical surgery at Edinburgh University, said:

" This research addresses a key area in transplantation.

" The results do suggest that current organ preservation solutions could be

enhanced significantly.

" This may allow the use of some donated organs that currently might not be

suitable for transplant because they are sub-optimal, or by providing more time

to achieve a suitable match between donor and recipient. "

According to UK Transplant, which oversees UK

services, 6,698 patients were waiting for transplants at the end of March 2006,

a 9% increase on the previous year.

Between April 2005 and March 2006, organs from 764 dead people were used in

2,195 transplants.

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