Table of Contents
- What is Histidine Hydrochloride Monohydrate?
- Role in Organ Preservation Solutions
- Custodiol Solution
- Custodiol-N Solution
- Use in Liver Transplantation
- Potential Benefits
- Ongoing Research
What is Histidine Hydrochloride Monohydrate?
Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in organ preservation solutions used during transplantation procedures[1]. It is a form of the amino acid histidine, which is essential for various biological processes in the human body.
Role in Organ Preservation Solutions
In organ transplantation, preserving the organ’s viability during transportation from the donor to the recipient is critical. Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate is a key component in preservation solutions because it helps maintain the organ’s cellular function and reduces damage caused by lack of oxygen (ischemia) during storage[1].
Custodiol Solution
Custodiol is a widely used organ preservation solution that contains histidine hydrochloride monohydrate as one of its active ingredients[2]. This solution is designed to protect organs, particularly the heart and liver, during the transplantation process. Other components of Custodiol include:
- Mannitol
- Histidine
- Tryptophan
- Magnesium chloride hexahydrate
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium chloride
- Calcium chloride dihydrate
- Oxogluric acid (also known as ketoglutaric acid)
Custodiol-N Solution
Custodiol-N is a newer formulation of the organ preservation solution, which is currently being studied for its potential benefits in liver transplantation[2]. While the exact composition of Custodiol-N is not provided in the available information, it is likely to contain histidine hydrochloride monohydrate as well, given its importance in organ preservation.
Use in Liver Transplantation
Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, as part of organ preservation solutions like Custodiol and Custodiol-N, plays a crucial role in liver transplantation. These solutions are used to:
- Flush the donor liver to remove blood
- Protect the liver during cold storage and transportation
- Maintain cellular function and reduce damage caused by lack of oxygen
- Improve the chances of successful transplantation
Potential Benefits
The use of organ preservation solutions containing histidine hydrochloride monohydrate may offer several benefits in liver transplantation:
- Improved organ function after transplantation
- Reduced risk of initial poor function or delayed graft function
- Potentially better outcomes for patients receiving liver transplants
- Possibility of using organs from extended criteria donors (ECD) or donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors
Ongoing Research
A clinical trial is currently underway to compare the effectiveness of Custodiol-N with standard Custodiol solution in liver transplantation[2]. This study aims to evaluate:
- The function of the transplanted liver using various blood tests
- The occurrence of complications after transplantation
- The effectiveness of these solutions in preserving livers from extended criteria donors and donation after circulatory death donors




