AIM: CMU-1 is a new preservation solution with a low potassium concentration as well as low viscosity that is highly effective in reducing preservation injury. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the protective effect of CMU-1 solution with that of UW during cold presevation and normothermic reperfusion.METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to different preservation solution: CMU-1 group and UW group. After 6, 12 and 24 h cold storage of rat liver in different preservation solutions, the isolated perfused rat liver model was applied to reperfuse the liver for 120 min normothermically (37 ℃) with KrebsHenseleit solution, meanwhile the pH value of the preservation solution was measured. The perfusate was sampled for the evaluation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). At the end of the reperfusion, all of the bile product was collected, energy metabolic substrate and histological examination were performed.RESULTS: After preserving for 6 h, pH value of both groups did not change; after 12 h, both decreased but with no significant difference. After 24 h, pH value in UW solution group significantly decreased. The total adenine nudeotides level and AEC in liver tissue decreased with preservation time, but they were higher in CMU-1 group. And the amount of bile product after perfusion for 120 min in CMU-1 group was much more than that in UW group. However,there were no significant differences in ALT and LDH levels between two groups. Histology showed no difference.CONCLUSION: The preservation effect of CMU-1 solution is similar with that of UW solution. However, CMU-1 solution shows some advantages over UW solution in energy metabolism, preventing intracellular acidosis and bile product.