University of Wisconsin Solution (UW Solution)

The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, commercially known as Viaspan, is the gold standard preservation medium for abdominal organs such as the liver, kidney, and pancreas during transplantation (Southard & Belzer, 1995). It is specifically formulated to address the physiological challenges of hypothermic organ storage, including the prevention of hypothermia-induced cell swelling and the minimization of ischemia-reperfusion injury (StatPearls, 2023). The solution utilizes a complex mixture of impermeant anions (lactobionate), osmotic agents (raffinose), and colloids (hydroxyethyl starch) to stabilize the cellular volume and environment (PubChem). Furthermore, it incorporates antioxidants like glutathione and allopurinol to neutralize reactive oxygen species and adenosine to facilitate the rapid restoration of high-energy phosphates upon organ reperfusion (Jing et al., 1994). By effectively extending the safe cold ischemic time, UW solution has significantly improved the logistics and success rates of clinical organ transplantation.

Other names

ViaspanBelzer UW solutionCold storage solutionOrgan preservation solution

The solution prevents cellular edema during cold storage through the use of impermeant agents (lactobionate and raffinose) and maintains oncotic pressure via hydroxyethyl starch (Southard & Belzer, 1995). It mitigates oxidative damage using antioxidants like glutathione and allopurinol, which inhibits xanthine oxidase, and provides adenosine as a substrate for ATP regeneration upon reperfusion (StatPearls, 2023).