K. 17

Abstract

Background. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel technique than can be used to assess and potentially repair marginal lungs that may otherwise be rejected for transplantation. Adenosine has been shown to protect against pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury through its A 2A receptor. We hypothesized that combining EVLP with adenosine A 2A receptor agonist treatment would enhance lung functional quality and increase donor lung use. Methods. Eight bilateral pig lungs were harvested and flushed with cold Perfadex (Vitrolife, Englewood, CO). After 14 hours of storage at 4°C, EVLP was performed for 5 hours on 2 explanted lung groups: (1) control group lungs (n 4) were perfused with Steen Solution (Vit-rolife) and dimethyl sulfoxide and (2) treated group lungs (n 4) received 10 M CGS21680, a selective A 2A receptor agonist, in a Steen solution-primed circuit. Lung histologic features, tissue cytokines, gas analysis, and pulmonary function were compared between groups.