Effects of adenosine on ischaemia–reperfusion injury associated with rat pancreas transplantation

Abstract

Abstract Background During cold preservation, cellular consumption of adenosine triphosphate leads to the accumulation of nucleotides and nucleosides. The precise role of adenosine in modulating the inflammatory response of cold-preserved pancreas after reperfusion remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of adenosine on the inflammatory response associated with the process of ischaemia–reperfusion in rat pancreas transplantation. Methods The effect of adenosine from preservation solution on the levels of high-energy nucleotides and their breakdown products after cold ischaemic preservation was determined. In addition, the inflammatory response associated with the process of ischaemia–reperfusion in pancreas transplantation was quantified with and without pretreatment with the adenosine antagonist theophylline, and during preservation of the organ in University of Wisconsin solution with and without adenosine. Results Adenosine from preservation solution is able to modify the nucleotide and nucleoside content of preserved pancreas, indicating that adenosine is incorporated and metabolized in tissue. Administration of the adenosine antagonist to transplanted rats moderated the increases in nitrite and nitrate, myeloperoxidase activity and lipoperoxidation levels in the pancreas. Conclusion Adenosine in the preservation solution may enhance the inflammatory response in rat pancreas transplantation.