ABSTRACT

Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution is the storage solution used in organ transplantation. However, such solutions cannot completely eliminate tissue damage. Acetyl L-carnitine (Alcar) is a strong antioxidant. In this study we aimed to determine the protective effects of HTK solution prepared with Alcar in kidney tissue.

Twenty-four rats used in this study were divided into 4 groups. Kidneys of rats in groups 1 and 2 were stored for 4 hours in HTK and HTK+Alcar solutions, respectively. Kidneys of rats in groups 3 and 4 were stored for 24 hours in HTK and HTK+Alcar solutions, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the kidneys were performed. In addition, TUNEL analysis was performed for the evaluation of apoptosis.

The findings of histomorphological damage in short-term HTK and HTK+Alcar groups were mild, but it was found widely in long-term HTK and ong-term HTK+Alcar groups on histologic evaluation. When histological scoring was made from kidney sections stained with H&E, the scores in HTK+Alcar groups decreased significantly compared to HTK groups. It was also seen that the score level increased significantly in long-term groups. According to immunohistochemical evaluation, in short- and long-term HTK+Alcar groups, the acetyl-L-carnitine prevented the antiapoptotic mechanisms to be activated and the intense expression of Bcl-2 has not occurred. In short- and long-term HTK groups, osteopontin showed more immunopositive result.

It was determined that the modified HTK solution prevented the increase of the activation of the expected oxidant mechanisms resulting in ischemia. This contribution of acetyl-L-carnitine was also found in long-term group findings.