Attempted canine renal cryopreservation using dimethyl sulphoxide helium perfusion and microwave thawing

Fourteen dog kidneys were perfused with 1.4 dimethyl sulphoxide (Me₂SO) in modified Sacks' solution (MSS), and cooled to −80 °C while being perfused with helium. After holding for 15 min at −80 °C they were thawed by microwave irradiation in a commercial 2450 mHz microwave oven. Some were then reperfused with MSS and transplanted as pelvic autografts or subjected to morphological examination. Others were transplanted without reperfusion. Although the light microscopic appearances were encouraging, electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural damage, and none of the kidneys exhibited any function after transplantation. Reasons are advanced for doubting the wisdom of using Me₂SO, helium perfusion and microwave irradiation in attempts to preserve kidneys.