4.4. Timepoints
Multiple vascular compartments were sampled, as mtDNA can potentially function differently in different vascular compartments. In addition, the dynamics of mtDNA in a vascular compartment and shifts between compartments were of interest for our study. Systemic venous mtDNA levels were measured in plasma obtained from the donor at the pre-transplantation timepoint. Systemic venous samples were collected from the recipients at various time points: pre-transplantation and post-transplantation (day 6 and day 9). Systemic arterial samples were collected after incision, after reperfusion (30 s, 5 min, 10 min, and 30 min), and post-transplantation (2 h). After reperfusion, renal venous were taken from the renal vein with the use of a gonadal vein catheter (30 s, 5 min, 10 min, and 30 min). Timepoints are depicted in 