Prostaglandin E(1) or prostacyclin in Euro-Collins solution fails to improve lung preservation

Background. In search of the ideal composition of the flush solution for pulmonary preservation, we studied the effects of prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) and prostacyclin as an additive to Euro-Collins solution (ECS) on pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange in a porcine single lung transplantation model using extracorporeal circulation and right heart bypass. Methods. Twenty-two pigs served as donors. The animals were randomized to receive either modified ECS alone (control group, n = 8), ECS with 100 mu g/L of PGE(1) (PGE, group, n = 6), or ECS with 200 mu g/L of prostacyclin (prostacyclin group, n = 8). Left lung transplantation was performed in 22 recipients after approximately 4 hours of cold ischemia. Results. Carbon dioxide elimination was significantly depressed in the two prostaglandin groups, and the use of PGE(1) was associated with a significant decrease in arterial oxygen tension compared with the control group. Both drugs were inefficient in alleviating the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance after transplantation. Conclusion. The use of prostaglandins as constituents of the hush solution was not followed by any improvement of early graft function after cold ischemia.