Endothelin receptor antagonist improves donor lung function in an ex vivo perfusion system

Walweel, K., Skeggs, K., Boon, A.C. et al. Endothelin receptor antagonist improves donor lung function in an ex vivo perfusion system. J Biomed Sci 27, 96 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-020-00690-7

A lung transplant is the last resort treatment for many patients with advanced lung disease. The majority of donated lungs come from donors following brain death (BD). The endothelin axis is upregulated in the blood and lung of the donor after BD resulting in systemic inflammation, lung damage and poor lung graft outcomes in the recipient. Tezosentan (endothelin receptor blocker) improves the pulmonary haemodynamic profile; however, it induces adverse effects on other organs at high doses. Application of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) allows the development of organ-specific hormone resuscitation, to maximise and optimise the donor pool.