Kidney perfusion solution containing nitric oxide donor

A kidney perfusion solution which includes at least one gluconate salt; glutathione; a nitric oxide donor chemical and a chemical inhibitor selective for the inducible isoform of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase; optionally further containing a reagent that causes the reduction of oxidized glutathione. A process for preserving a kidney for transplantation is also disclosed, which includes perfusing the kidney with an amount of a nitric oxide donor chemical in an amount sufficient to mimic enzymatic production of NO by NOS3 or NOS1, while preventing generation of an excessive amount of nitric oxide by the NOS2 isoform of nitric oxide synthase, with or without a reagent that causes the reduction of oxidized glutathione. The invention also includes a process wherein a deceased donor's body is perfused with a solution containing an NO donor, with or without a reagent that causes the reduction of oxidized glutathione, prior to removal of the organs for transplantation.