Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the introduction and washout of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant in organs and tissues. The methods comprise cooling the organ to below ?10° C. by perfusion with a solution having a freezing point below ?10° C., a temperature from ?10 to ?40° C., and a tonicity from 1.1 to 2.0 times isotonic, after previous perfusion with said solution for a time insufficient for approximate osmotic equilibration of the organ with the solution. The methods further comprise increasing the concentration of cryoprotectant further at a temperature from ?10 to ?40° C. to prepare the organ or tissue for vitrification. The methods further comprise cooling and vitrifying the organ, rewarming it, and perfusing the organ with a vitrifiable concentration of cryoprotectant that is the same as or less than the concentration used for vitrification, without the addition of an osmotic buffering agent. Rewarming is accomplished either by rapid (>1°C./min, and preferably ?0.2-20° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aqueous carrier solutions for cryoprotectants that are useful for a variety of cryoprotectant solutions for use with cells, tissues, and whole organs, said aqueous carrier solutions permitting antinucleators to be fully effective in vitrification solutions, thereby allowing vitrification solutions to attain extreme effectiveness, and compatible vitrification solution compositions for use with these carrier solutions. The carrier solutions comprise lactose, mannitol or trehalose, and glucose in combination with other beneficial ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermittent perfusion method and system which is capable of extending the viable life of an explanted mammalian heart for up to at least approximately 49 hours by utilizing a new and unique intermittent perfusion method or procedure. The system that implements the method includes a perfusion chest of approximately the same size as the standard ice chests that are currently being used to store and transport human organs. The perfusion chest of the present invention, however, contains all of the mechanical and electrical components needed to automatically perfuse the heart in accordance with the perfusion procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor &bgr;1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor &bgr;1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffinose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.