Abstract: A method for protecting a mammalian organ, tissue or cell from damage during isolation from the circulatory system by contacting a mammalian organ, tissue or cell with a solution containing at least one selectin antagonist in an amount sufficient to inhibit selectin binding and/or cell signaling is disclosed. The selectin antagonist is a small molecule inhibitor of the selectin family of adhesion molecules. A composition for preservation or maintenance of a mammalian organ, tissue or cell containing such selectin antagonists is also disclosed. A presently preferred selectin antagonist is bimosiamose disodium.