Protective effects of ethanol and polyethylene glycol on adenylate depletion during cold hypoxia in rat liver

The addition of 0.5 mg/l (11 mu M) ethanol or (0.5 X 10(-4) %) PEG-400 to the preservation solution resulted in an initial maintenance of energetics (ATP and 'energy charge' levels) over short-term hypoxia (1-2 h) in rat liver. When ethanol and PEG-400 treatments were combined, there was an overall positive synergistic effect on adenylate levels. Higher concentrations of ethanol and PEG (1.0 mg/l and 5.0 mg/l) resulted in an enhanced rate of depletion of high energy phosphates, total adenylate contents and energy charge values. The data supports the use of low levels of ethanol and PEG as cytoprotective agents in preservation solutions for liver.