Expression and distribution of aquaporin 8 in rat hepatocytes cold stored 72 hours in modified University of Wisconsin and bes-gluconate-sucrose solutions. Study of their correlation with water content.

Since few data are availble on the genetic responses to low temperatures, we investigated if cold storage of hepatocytes (0 degrees C, mUW or BGS solutions, 72 h) can affect gene expression and/or cellular localization of AQP8 and their correlation with water movements. Cold preserved hepatocytes showed a significant decrease in water content (P<0.05) but were able to regulate their volume when they returned to physiological conditions. These changes were not related to modulation in the expression and the pattern of distribution of AQP8 suggesting that other mechanisms are involved. The study of the quantitative changes in the expression of genes coding for liver specific proteins in cold preserved hepatic cells is of interest in order to develop new preservation methods or solutions that could contribute to maintain the utility of these cells when destined to be applied in clinical models.