A model for hypothermic perfusion of porcine kidney in vivo: Morphologic characteristics

In this study, we established a model of hypothermic perfusion for porcine kidney in vivo and investigated protective effect in intraoperative on porcine renal cells. 24 porcine kidneys were randomly divided into pseudo-operation group, hypothermic perfusion group and arterial occlusion group. We detected expression of Caspase-3 protein and ultrastructure in renal cells by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscope. Results showed the artery occlusion group could examine cell apoptosis, necrosis ever since 1 h and hypothermic perfusion group didn't change significantly. The artery occlusion group was higher than other groups on the apoptosis index and expression of Caspase-3 ever since 0.5 h. The nuclear and mitochondrial swelling in 0.5 h and nuclear pyknosis was observed in 1 h in artery occlusion groups. Cell swelling only appeared in 0.5 h, and cell nucleus and mitochondria swelling in 1 h in hypothermic perfusion group. Therefore, the model can be used to improve the quality of kidney protection in surgical operation in vivo.