Hepatocellular defence against acidosis is preserved after cold storage

BACKGROUND: Primary non-function of liver allografts is related to preservation time, during which hypoxia leads to intracellular accumulation of acid. Preservation-induced failure of hepatocellular pH regulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary graft non-function. METHODS: Using cultured/suspended rat hepatocytes and fluorimetric determination of intracellular pH, we determined whether preservation in University of Wisconsin solution (4 degrees C) impairs hepatocellular defence mechanisms against acidosis. RESULTS: In non-preserved, 24-h-preserved and 48-h-preserved hepatocytes acidified to pH 6.7-6.8, initial Na+/H+ antiport-mediated H+ fluxes averaged 12 +/- 5, 9 +/- 5 and 12 +/- 5 nmol microL-1 min-1 and initial Na+/HCO3- symport-mediated HCO3- fluxes 7 +/- 2, 7 +/- 3 and 6 +/- 2 nmol microL-1 min respectively (P = NS). Preservation did not affect the inverse relationship between Na+/H+ antiport activity and intracellular pH. Thus, hepatocellular defence against intracellular acidosis is maintained during up to 48 h in University of Wisconsin solution. CONCLUSION: Altered pHi homeostasis is unlikely to play a role in the pathogenesis of primary non-function of liver allografts.