Post-ischemic renal function after kidney protection with the HTK-solution of Bretschneider

The cardioplegic solution HTK of Bretschneider was used for canine kidney protection. The kidneys were perfused with this solution for 6–10 min prior to the induction of ischemia. The kidneys were left in-situ for 60, 90, 120 and 135 min ischemia time at a temperature of 25–34°C (n=13). As a control group we used unilateral nephrectomized dogs (n=9). After unilateral nephrectomy an elevated plasma creatinine in comparison to preoperative values was observed. After 60 and 90 min under HTK-protection the postoperative plasma creatinine was not elevated compared to the control group. After 120 min of ischemia creatinine level was slightly increased to an average of 2.1 mg% on the first and second postoperative day. These experiments indicate the protective effect of the cardioplegic solution for canine kidney preservation in situ.