Transplant media

Abstract

The present invention relates to media containing purified antimicrobial polypeptides, such as defensins, and/or cell surface receptor binding proteins. The media may also contain buffers, macromolecular oncotic agents, energy sources, impermeant anions, ATP substrates. The media find use for the storage and preservation of internal organs prior to transplant.

1 . A method comprising:
 a) providing:
 i) cellular material selected from the group consisting of internal organs, skin, and gametes; and 
 ii) a solution comprising a purified antimicrobial polypeptide; 
   b) storing said cellular material in said solution comprising a purified antimicrobial peptide.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said purified antimicrobial polypeptide is in solution at a concentration of about 0.01 to 1000 mg/l. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cellular material is an internal organ. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said internal organ is infused with said solution. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said internal organ is selected from the group consisting of kidneys, hearts, lungs, small intestines, large intestines, livers, and pancreases. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said internal organ is a human organ. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said purified antimicrobial polypeptide is a defensin selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos: 37-95. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said antimicrobial polypeptide is encoded by SEQ ID NO:37. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said solution further comprises a macromolecular oncotic agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl starch, dextran, and glucose. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said solution further comprises an impermeant anion selected from the group consisting of gluconate and lactobionate. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said solution further comprises a cell surface receptor binding compound. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said cell surface receptor binding compound is selected from the group consisting of IGF-1, EGF, NGF, and substance P and combinations thereof.