Metabolic enhancement of myocardial preservation during cardioplegic arrest

An experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the relative efficacy of oxygenated versus unoxygenated cardioplegic solutions and to determine if the addition of certain metabolically active substrates to cardioplegic solutions had any effect on myocardial preservation. Sixty-one pigs were divided into seven groups of animals (5 to 15 animals per group). The impact of different cardioplegic vehicles, i.e., crystalloid versus the oxygen-carrying vehicles, blood and Fluosol-DA, on preservation of high-energy phosphates (adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate) was examined in the first three animal groups. The influence of Krebs cycle intermediates, i.e., glutamate, malate, succinate and fumarate, on adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate preservation was evaluated in the other four animal groups. All hearts underwent 120 minutes of hypothermic cardioplegic arrest at 15 degrees C followed by 60 minutes of normothermic reperfusion. Higher adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate levels were maintained during arrest when oxygenated solutions were used as the cardioplegic vehicle and when any of the four intermediates were added to the crystalloid cardioplegic solution, especially succinate and fumarate. During reperfusion, however, adenosine triphosphate levels were uniformly lower than control whereas creatine phosphate levels rose to either control levels or higher in all groups. No significant intergroup difference could be identified during reperfusion. These findings lead to the conclusion that the presence of either oxygen or certain Krebs cycle intermediates enhances the protective effect of hyperkalemic hypothermic cardioplegia on high-energy phosphates during the arrest period only. This enhancement is not maintained during the reperfusion period.     

Benefits of glucose and oxygen in multidose cold cardioplegia.

We tested the effects of glucose and oxygen in cardioplegic solutions on myocardial protection in the isolated perfused working rat heart. Recovery from 2 hours' hypothermic (8 degrees C) cardioplegic arrest was examined in 93 hearts. Cardioplegic solution, which was delivered every 15 minutes, was supplemented with glucose 28 mmol/L as a substrate or sucrose 28 mmol/L as a nonmetabolizable osmotic control; it was equilibrated with either 98% oxygen or 98% nitrogen, both with 2% carbon dioxide. Four combinations of hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution were studied: nitrogen-sucrose, nitrogen-glucose, oxygen-sucrose, and oxygen-glucose. During hypothermic arrest, oxygenation of cardioplegic solution greatly reduced myocardial lactate production and prevented ischemic contracture as indicated by coronary vascular resistance. Glucose increased lactate production modestly but significantly only when the cardioplegic solution was nitrogenated. Although end-arrest myocardial adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate were greatly increased by oxygenation of cardioplegic solution (p less than 0.005), we could not detect improved preservation of these high-energy phosphates by glucose. Averaged over reperfusion, percent recovery of cardiac output for the nitrogen-sucrose, nitrogen-glucose, oxygen-sucrose, and oxygen-glucose solutions was 32.3% +/- 6.1%, 45.9% +/- 4.6%, 44.5% +/- 4.6%, and 62.2% +/- 4.5%, respectively. Oxygenation of the glucose solution or addition of glucose to the oxygenated solution significantly improved recovery of cardiac output. The benefits of glucose and oxygen were additive, so that the oxygen-glucose cardioplegic solution provided the best functional recovery. We conclude that the addition of glucose to the fully oxygenated multidose cold cardioplegic solution improves functional recovery without increasing lactate production during arrest.     

The effect of temperature and hematocrit level of oxygenated cardioplegic solutions on myocardial preservation

The ideal temperature and hematocrit level of blood cardioplegia has not been clearly established. This study was undertaken (a) to determine the optimal temperature of blood cardioplegia and (b) to study the effect of hematocrit levels in blood cardioplegia. A comparison of myocardial preservation was done among seven groups of animals on the basis of variations in hematocrit levels and temperature of oxygenated cardioplegic solution. The experimental protocol consisted of a 2-hour hypothermic cardioplegic arrest followed by 1 hour of normothermic reperfusion. Group 1 received oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegic solution at 10 degrees C. Groups 2 through 7 received oxygenated blood cardioplegic solution with the following hematocrit values and temperatures: (2) 10%, 10 degrees C; (3) 10%, 20 degrees C; (4) 10%, 30 degrees C; (5) 20%, 10 degrees C; (6) 20%, 20 degrees C; and (7) 20%, 30 degrees C. Parameters studied include coronary blood flow, myocardial oxygen extraction, myocardial oxygen consumption, and myocardial high-energy phosphate levels of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate during control (prearrest), arrest, and reperfusion. Myocardial oxygen consumption at 30 degrees C during arrest was significantly higher than at 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C, which indicates continued aerobic metabolic activity at higher temperature. Myocardial oxygen consumption and the levels of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate during reperfusion were similar in all seven groups. Myocardial oxygen extraction (a measure of metabolic function after ischemia) during initial reperfusion was significantly lower in the 30 degrees C blood group than in the 10 degrees C blood group at either hematocrit level and in the oxygenated crystalloid group, which suggests inferior preservation. The hematocrit level of blood cardioplegia did not affect adenosine triphosphate or myocardial oxygen consumption or extraction. It appears from this study that blood cardioplegia at 10 degrees C and oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegia at 10 degrees C are equally effective. Elevating blood cardioplegia temperature to 30 degrees C, however, reduces the ability of the solution to preserve metabolic function regardless of hematocrit level. Therefore, the level of hypothermia is important in blood cardioplegia, whereas hematocrit level has no detectable impact, and cold oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegia is as effective as hypothermic blood cardioplegia.     

Effect of oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegia on the functional and metabolic recovery of the isolated perfused rat heart

The use of an oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegic solution to improve myocardial preservation during elective cardiac arrest was evaluated with the isolated perfused rat heart used as a model. Experiments were conducted at 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C. The oxygen tension of the nonoxygenated and oxygenated cardioplegic solutions averaged 117 and 440 mm Hg, respectively. At 4 degrees C, the adenosine triphosphate content of hearts subjected to 120 minutes of oxygenated cardioplegia was significantly higher than that of the nonoxygenated cardioplegia group. However, functional recovery during reperfusion was similar for both groups. At 20 degrees C, the myocardial adenosine triphosphate concentration decreased at a significantly faster rate during ischemia in the group receiving nonoxygenated cardioplegia compared with the oxygenated cardioplegia group. Hearts subjected to 180 minutes of ischemia with oxygenated cardioplegia had a normal ultrastructural appearance whereas hearts subjected to 120 minutes of nonoxygenated cardioplegia showed severe ischemic damage. Myocardial functional recovery in the group receiving oxygenated cardioplegia exceeded that of the group receiving nonoxygenated cardioplegia. The use of myocardial adenosine triphosphate concentration at the end of the ischemic period to predict subsequent cardiac output, peak systolic pressure, and total myocardial work showed significant positive correlations.     

Optimal myocardial preservation with an acalcemic crystalloid cardioplegic solution

The effect of the calcium and oxygen contents of a hyperkalemic glucose-containing cardioplegic solution on myocardial preservation was examined in the isolated working rat heart. The cardioplegic solution was delivered at 4 degrees C every 15 minutes during 2 hours of arrest, maintaining a myocardial temperature of 8 degrees +/- 2 degrees C. Hearts were reperfused in the Langendorff mode for 15 minutes and then resumed the working mode for a further 30 minutes. Groups of hearts were given the oxygenated cardioplegic solution containing an ionized calcium concentration of 0, 0.25, 0.75, or 1.25 mmol/L or the same solution nitrogenated to reduce the oxygen content and containing 0 or 0.75 mmol ionized calcium per liter. The myocardial adenosine triphosphate concentrations at the end of arrest in these six groups of hearts were 15.6 +/- 1.2, 9.5 +/- 0.5, 8.2 +/- 1.1, 4.9 +/- 1.8, 10.1 +/- 2.0, and 1.6 +/- 0.4 nmol/mg dry weight, respectively. At 5 minutes of working reperfusion, the percentages of prearrest aortic flow were 80 +/- 2, 62 +/- 4, 33 +/- 6, 37 +/- 5, 48 +/- 7 and 46 +/- 8, respectively. The differences among the groups in adenosine triphosphate concentrations and in functional recovery diminished during reperfusion. In hearts given the hypoxic calcium-containing solution, there was a marked increase in coronary vascular resistance during the administration of successive doses of cardioplegic solution, which was rapidly reversible upon reperfusion. These data indicate that hearts given the acalcemic oxygenated solution had better adenosine triphosphate preservation during arrest and better functional recovery than hearts in any other group. Addition of calcium to the oxygenated cardioplegic solution decreased adenosine triphosphate preservation and functional recovery. Oxygenation of the acalcemic solution increased adenosine triphosphate preservation and functional recovery. The lowest adenosine triphosphate levels at end arrest were observed in hearts given the hypoxic calcium-containing solution. In the setting of hypothermia and multidose administration, the addition of calcium to a cardioplegic solution resulted in increased energy depletion during arrest and depressed recovery.     

Protection of the hypertrophied pig myocardium. A comparison of crystalloid, blood, and Fluosol-DA cardioplegia during prolonged aortic clamping

The myocardial protective effects of crystalloid, blood, and Fluosol-DA-20% cardioplegia were compared by subjecting hypertrophied pig hearts to 3 hours of hypothermic (10 degrees to 15 degrees C), hyperkalemic (20 mEq/L) cardioplegic arrest and 1 hour of normothermic reperfusion. Left ventricular hypertrophy was created in piglets by banding of the ascending aorta, with increase of the left ventricular weight-body weight ratio from 3.01 +/- 0.2 gm/kg (control adult pigs) to 5.50 +/- 0.2 gm/kg (p less than 0.001). An in vivo isolated heart preparation was established in 39 grown banded pigs, which were divided into three groups to receive aerated crystalloid (oxygen tension 141 +/- 4 mm Hg), oxygenated blood (oxygen tension 584 +/- 41 mm Hg), or oxygenated Fluosol-DA-20% (oxygen tension 586 +/- 25 mm Hg) cardioplegic solutions. The use of crystalloid cardioplegia was associated with the following: a low cardioplegia-coronary sinus oxygen content difference (0.6 +/- 0.1 vol%), progressive depletion of myocardial creatine phosphate and adenosine triphosphate during cardioplegic arrest, minimal recovery of developed pressure (16% +/- 8%) and its first derivative (12% +/- 7%), and marked structural deterioration during reperfusion. Enhanced oxygen uptake during cardioplegic infusions was observed with blood cardioplegia (5.0 +/- 0.3 vol%), along with excellent preservation of high-energy phosphate stores and significantly improved postischemic left ventricular performance (developed pressure, 54% +/- 4%; first derivative of left ventricular pressure, 50% +/- 5%). The best results were obtained with Fluosol-DA-20% cardioplegia. This produced a high cardioplegia-coronary sinus oxygen content difference (5.8 +/- 0.1 vol%), effectively sustained myocardial creatine phosphate and adenosine triphosphate concentrations during the extended interval of arrest, and ensured the greatest hemodynamic recovery (developed pressure, 81% +/- 6%, first derivative of left ventricular pressure, 80% +/- 10%) and the least adverse morphologic alterations during reperfusion. It is concluded that oxygenated Fluosol-DA-20% cardioplegia is superior to oxygenated blood and especially aerated crystalloid cardioplegia in protecting the hypertrophied pig myocardium during prolonged aortic clamping.     

The effect of amino acids on the ischemic heart. Improvement of oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegic solution by an enriched branched chain amino acid formulation

This study was designed to test the effect of glucose and a formulation enriched with branched chain amino acids as additives to oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegic solution in the ischemic heart. Energy-depleted isolated working rat hearts were subjected to 68 minutes of normothermic global ischemia during which oxygenated cardioplegic solution was used to protect them. The hearts were then reperfused in the nonworking mode for 10 minutes and for a further 30 minutes in the working mode. The hearts were randomly divided into three groups, in which various oxygenated cardioplegic solutions were perfused. Group 1 (control) was subjected to modified St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution and groups 2 and 3 to the same solution with the addition of glucose (11.1 mmol/L) and glucose (11.1 mmol/L) and branched chain amino acids, respectively. Recovery of aortic flow, coronary flow, cardiac output, aortic pressure, adenosine triphosphate, creatine phosphate, and oxygen consumption was significantly better in group 2 than in group 1. In addition, recovery of aortic flow, coronary flow, cardiac output, aortic pressure, stroke volume, minute work, adenosine triphosphate, and creatine phosphate was found to be significantly enhanced in group 3. Release of adenine catabolites and lactic dehydrogenase from these hearts during postischemic reperfusion was significantly decreased. Thus, during global ischemia in the energy-depleted heart, the presence of glucose and branched chain amino acids in oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegic solution enhanced myocardial protection.     

Enhanced myocardial preservation by nicotinic acid, an antilipolytic compound. Improved cardiac performance after hypothermic cardioplegic arrest

The effect of nicotinic acid, an antilipolytic drug, on myocardial preservation was studied on the basis of cardiac performance after 2 hours of cardioplegic arrest. Isolated in situ pig hearts were subjected to 120 minutes of hypothermic potassium (35 mEq) crystalloid cardioplegic arrest followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. The experimental group received nicotinic acid 0.08 mmol/L 15 minutes before cardioplegic arrest, whereas the control group received 15 minutes of unmodified perfusion. There was a marked decline in myocardial creatine phosphate levels during cardioplegic arrest in both groups that returned to the baseline level during reperfusion without a significant intergroup difference, and adenosine triphosphate levels remained stable throughout the experiment in both groups. Myocardial oxygen consumption during reperfusion was significantly higher in hearts treated with nicotinic acid, which was consistent with a significantly greater cardiac contractile force as evaluated by isovolumetric left ventricular pressure measurements. There appeared to be less cardiac membrane damage as measured by creatine kinase release during reperfusion, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with nicotinic acid. The present study supports the conclusion that nicotinic acid improves cardiac performance after hypothermic cardioplegic arrest.     

Comparison of the metabolic response of the hypertrophic and the normal heart to hypothermic cardioplegia. The effect of temperature

The aim of this study was to test for metabolic differences in the response of hypertrophic and normal hearts to hypothermic cardioplegia. Hypertrophic dog hearts and normal control hearts were subjected to 6 hours of hypothermic cardioplegia with the St. Thomas' Hospital solution. Levels before arrest of subepicardial and subendocardial adenosine triphosphate, creatine phosphate, and lactate in eight hypertrophic hearts were the same as those levels in 12 normal hearts. In hypertrophic hearts, but not in normal hearts, the induction of arrest was slow and was associated with an 11% increase in adenosine triphosphate levels, a 59% decrease in creatine phosphate levels, and a 12-fold increase in lactate levels. Seven hypertrophic hearts and eight normal hearts were studied during 6 hours of arrest and showed no further differences in metabolic response. Reducing the myocardial temperature from 20 degrees C to 12 degrees C slowed the rate of depletion of adenosine triphosphate and the rate of accumulation of lactate in both groups. We conclude that in the nonfailing, severely hypertrophic heart, levels before arrest of high-energy phosphates and lactate are normal, but that marked biochemical changes may occur if the induction of arrest is prolonged because of underdosing with cardioplegic solution. Cooling from 20 degrees C to 12 degrees C improves myocardial preservation in both hypertrophic and normal hearts.     

Oxygenation of cardioplegic solutions. Potential for the calcium paradox

Oxygenation of crystalloid cardioplegic solutions is beneficial, yet bicarbonate-containing solutions equilibrated with 100% oxygen become highly alkaline as carbon dioxide is released. In the isolated perfused rat heart fitted with an intraventricular balloon, we recently observed a sustained contraction related to infusion of cardioplegic solution. In the same model, to record these contractions, we studied myocardial preservation by multidose bicarbonate-containing cardioplegic solutions in which first the calcium content and then the pH was varied. An acalcemic cardioplegic solution (Group 1) and the same solution with calcium provided by adding calcium chloride (Group 2) or blood (Group 3) were equilibrated with 100% oxygen. Ionized calcium concentrations were 0, 0.10 +/- 0.06, and 0.11 +/- 0.07 mmol/L and pH values were 8.74 +/- 0.07, 8.54 +/- 0.08, and 8.40 +/- 0.07, all highly alkaline. Hearts were arrested for 2 hours at 8 degrees +/- 2.5 degrees C and reperfused for 1 hour at 37 degrees C. At end-arrest, myocardial adenosine triphosphate was depleted in all three groups, significantly in Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1 the calcium paradox developed upon reperfusion, with contracture (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure = 60 +/- 7 mm Hg), creatine kinase release up to 620 +/- 134 U/L, a profound further decrease in adenosine triphosphate to 1.9 +/- 1.7 nmol/mg dry weight, and either greatly impaired or no functional recovery (17% +/- 10% of prearrest developed pressure). Three hearts in this group released creatine kinase during arrest and did not resume beating during reperfusion. In Groups 2 and 3, the calcium paradox did not occur; functional recovery was 61% +/- 4% and 71% +/- 9% at 5 minutes of reperfusion. In two additional groups (4 and 5), the pH of the acalcemic cardioplegic solution was decreased by equilibration with 2% and 5% carbon dioxide in oxygen to 7.53 +/- 0.03 and 7.11 +/- 0.02. Contractions during arrest were smaller than in Groups 1, 2, and 3; adenosine triphosphate was maintained during arrest; functional recovery was 101% +/- 3% and 96% +/- 4% at 5 minutes of reperfusion. We conclude that acalcemic solutions with carbon dioxide are superior to highly alkaline calcium-containing solutions. If oxygenation of cardioplegic solutions, of proved value, causes severe alkalinity, then calcium paradox may result even with hypothermia. This hazard is prevented by adding calcium or blood to the solution or carbon dioxide to the oxygen used for equilibration.     

The time course of myocardial high-energy phosphate degradation during potassium cardioplegic arrest

Myocardial high-energy phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate levels were determined in the in vivo pig heart model during ischemic arrest and reperfusion to determine the effectiveness of potassium cardioplegia in myocardial protection. Thirty-five pigs were divided into six experimental groups consisting of 2-hour normothermic arrest, 2-hour hypothemic arrest, 2-hour normothermic cardioplegic arrest, and 1-, 2-, and 3-hour hypothermic cardioplegic arrest. Myocardial biopsies from the left ventricle were obtained prior to arrest, every 30 minutes during the arrest interval, and at 30 and 60 minutes of reperfusion. The measurement of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate showed that (1) cardioplegic arrest requires hypothermia to preserve high-energy phosphate levels in myocardial tissue; (2) hypothermia, while not completely protective alone, is more effective than potassium cardioplegia alone in providing myocardial preservation during 2-hour ischemic arrest; (3) the combination of potassium cardioplegia and hypothermia is additive in providing an effective means of maintaining myocardial high-energy phosphate stores during 1, 2, and 3 hours of ischemic arrest; (4) myocardial reperfusion does not allow a return to preischemic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels after 2 hours of arrest, except following hypothermic cardioplegia; and (5) extension of the duration of ischemic arrest to 3 hours using hypothermic cardioplegia prevents recovery of high-energy phosphate stores to preischemic levels during reperfusion. Optimal preservation can be achieved during 2 hours of ischemic arrest by using hypothermic potassium cardioplegia. The effects of myocardial reperfusion, however, prevent full ATP and creatine phosphate (CP) recovery following 3 hours of arrest. No other technique studied was as effective in providing myocardial preservation.     

Oxygenation of cardioplegic solutions: a note of caution

The merits of oxygenated crystalloid cardioplegic solutions have been well established in experimental animals. The positive effects of oxygenation of Plasmalyte B (Sabax Ltd) and St. Thomas Hospital solution (Plegisol) were achieved by gassing with 95% O2/5% CO2 and 100% O2, respectively. In view of the marked pH differences induced by these gas mixtures, we evaluated the effect of mode of oxygenation on myocardial recovery during reperfusion after hypothermic cardioplegic arrest. Oxygenation with 100% O2 of Plasmalyte B containing high K+ levels caused marked deterioration in myocardial recovery, whereas the mode of oxygenation did not affect recovery after arrest with St. Thomas Hospital solution. Because the major differences between these solutions reside in their respective K+, Mg2+, and HCO3- contents, the effects of variations in the levels of these ions were investigated. The results showed that oxygenation with 100% O2 was deleterious only in the presence of high K+ (29 mmol/L), low Mg2+ (3 mmol/L), and high NaHCO3 (28 mmol/L) levels. The marked decline in mechanical recovery during reperfusion was associated with significant changes in myocardial adenosine triphosphate and intracellular Ca2+ levels. Although an explanation for these findings is not readily available, it is suggested that complex ionic interactions and possibly oxygen free radical generation may lead to intracellular Ca2+ overload, depression in mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate generation, and, hence, deterioration in mechanical recovery.     

Effects of potassium cardioplegia on high-energy phosphate kinetics during circulatory arrest with deep hypothermia in the newborn piglet heart

The protective effects of hypothermia and potassium-solution cardioplegia on high-energy phosphate levels and intracellular pH were evaluated in the newborn piglet heart by means of in vivo phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All animals underwent cardiopulmonary bypass, cooling to 20 degrees C, 120 minutes of circulatory arrest, rewarming with cardiopulmonary bypass, and 1 hour off extracorporeal support with continuous hemodynamic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic evaluation. Group I (n = 5) was cooled to 20 degrees C; group II (n = 4) was given a single dose of 20 degrees C cardioplegic solution; group III (n = 7) was given a single dose of 4 degrees C cardioplegic solution; and group IV (n = 4) received 4 degrees C cardioplegic solution every 30 minutes. At end ischemia, adenosine triphosphate, expressed as a percent of control value, was lowest in group I 54% +/- 6.5% but only slightly greater in group II 66% +/- 7.0%. Use of 4 degrees C cardioplegic solution in groups III and IV resulted in a significant decrease in myocardial temperature, 9.9 degrees C versus 17 degrees to 20 degrees C, and significantly higher levels of adenosine triphosphate at end ischemia; with group III levels at 72% +/- 6.0% and group IV levels at 73% +/- 6.0%. Recovery of adenosine triphosphate with reperfusion was not related to the level of adenosine triphosphate at end ischemia and was best in groups I and II, with a recovery level of 95% +/- 4.0%. In group IV, no recovery of adenosine triphosphate occurred with reperfusion, resulting in a significantly lower level of adenosine triphosphate, 74% +/- 6.0%, than in groups I and II. Recovery of ventricular function was good for all groups but was best in hearts receiving a single dose of 4 degrees C cardioplegic solution. In this model, multiple doses of cardioplegic solution were not associated with either improved adenosine triphosphate retention during arrest or improved ventricular function after reperfusion, and in fact resulted in a significantly lower level of adenosine triphosphate with reperfusion. The complete recovery of adenosine triphosphate in groups I and II, despite a nearly 50% adenosine triphosphate loss during ischemia, may result from a decrease in the catabolism of the metabolites of adenosine triphosphate consumption in the newborn heart.     

Alcohol and pyruvate cardioplegia. Twenty-four-hour in situ preservation of hamster hearts

Isolated hamster hearts were first perfused with a normal Krebs-Henseleit medium to demonstrate comparable viability of hearts before perfusing and storing them for 24 hours in one of three solutions. The three solutions were a physiologic saline with pyruvate as the substrate and 4% alcohol to arrest the heart (group 1), a standard cardioplegic solution (group 2), and an alcohol-free physiologic saline with pyruvate as the substrate (group 3). Recovery in terms of rate/pressure product and oxygen consumption after 30 minutes of reperfusion was 81% and 93%, respectively, for group 1, 13% and 32% for group 2, and 70% and 72% for group 3. Percent of physiologic recovery was not related to recovery of adenosine triphosphate. The adenosine triphosphate level returned to approximately 40% control level in all three groups, and in all three groups inorganic phosphate remained approximately 320% over control level after 30 minutes of reperfusion. Phosphocreatine level significantly higher in groups 1 and 3 than in group 2, as a result of improved oxygen consumption. Intracellular pH, determined by phosphorous 31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, was physiologic in groups 1 and 3 but alkaline in group 2. This alkalinity may have been caused by leaky membranes. Pyruvate helped preserve mitochondrial function during depressed oxygen delivery, such as was seen during the 24-hour storage period. Four percent alcohol arrested the heart; combined with pyruvate plus alcohol solution were better than a standard cardioplegic solution for maintaining functional capability.     

Purine-enriched asanguineous cardioplegia retards adenosine triphosphate degradation during ischemia and improves postischemic ventricular function

Myocardial dysfunction after induced ischemic arrest is an important problem in cardiac surgery. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate content in myocardial tissue remains depressed for days after ischemia, perhaps because of reperfusion washout of diffusable purine substrates. Left ventricular function is also depressed after ischemia, but its relationship to absolute tissue adenosine triphosphate content is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that arresting hearts with a cardioplegic solution containing adenosine, hypoxanthine, and ribose would result in improved tissue adenosine triphosphate content and left ventricular function after 1 hour of normothermic global ischemia in dogs supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. Animals with ischemic arrest initiated with a crystalloid cardioplegic solution containing adenosine 100 mumol/L, hypoxanthine 100 mumol/L, and ribose 2 mmol/L demonstrated significant improvement (p less than 0.05) during postischemic reperfusion. A significant correlation (p less than 0.05) existed between myocardial adenosine triphosphate content and the recovery of left ventricular function. These experiments demonstrate that an asanguineous cardioplegic solution containing adenosine, hypoxanthine, and ribose maintains myocardial adenosine triphosphate content during ischemia and reperfusion and enhances functional recovery during the postischemic period.     

Influence of the pH of cardioplegic solutions on intracellular pH, high-energy phosphates, and postarrest performance. Protective effects of acidotic, glutamate-containing cardioplegic perfusates

The common practice of using alkalotic cardioplegic solutions is not supported by experimental evidence. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of varying the pH (7.00, 7.40, and 7.70 at 20 degrees C) of a glutamate-containing cardioplegic solution on intracellular pH, high-energy phosphate content, and postarrest functional recovery and to compare the effects of various buffers (glutamate, bicarbonate, TRIS, and histidine) at a given pH (7.00 and 7.40). Isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to 2 hours of cardioplegic arrest at 15 degrees C followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Intracellular pH and high-energy phosphate content were measured at 4 minute intervals by phosphorus 31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These data were correlated with postischemic recovery of function. There was no significant difference between the intracellular pH values recorded at the end of arrest in the three glutamate-containing groups. However, the acidotic solution (pH 7.00) resulted in better preservation than the alkalotic solution (pH 7.70), as evidenced by a higher creatine phosphate content at the end of arrest (61% +/- 9% of control values versus 30% +/- 9% [mean +/- standard error of the mean], p less than 0.05), a higher adenosine triphosphate content at the end of reperfusion (102% +/- 5% versus 82% +/- 6%, p less than 0.05), and a faster recovery of aortic flow (at 3 minutes of reperfusion, 91% +/- 11% versus 51% +/- 11%, p less than 0.05). Subsequent comparison of buffers showed that bicarbonate, TRIS, and histidine were equally effective in maintaining intracellular pH close to control values during arrest. Conversely, the use of glutamate resulted in a more pronounced fall in intracellular pH, which correlated with a better preservation of adenosine triphosphate and a better functional recovery than in the other groups. Overall, the greatest extent of preservation was provided by the pH 7.00 glutamate-containing cardioplegic solution. We conclude that additional protection can be conferred to the cold, chemically arrested heart by combining mild intracellular acidosis, which lowers metabolic needs during arrest, most likely through a limitation of calcium overload, and provision of glutamate, which may act as a substrate for anaerobic energy production while allowing intracellular pH to be kept within the appropriate range.     

Myocardial preservation related to magnesium content of hyperkalemic cardioplegic solutions at 8 degrees C

This study investigates whether the addition of magnesium to a hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution containing 0.1 mM ionized calcium improves myocardial preservation, and whether there is an optimal magnesium concentration in this solution. Isolated perfused rat hearts were arrested for two hours by this cardioplegic solution, which was fully oxygenated and infused at 8 degrees C every 15 minutes to simulate clinical conditions. The cardioplegic solution contained either 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 mM magnesium. At end-arrest, the myocardial creatine phosphate concentration (nanomoles per milligram of dry weight) was 20.7 +/- 2.1, 22.9 +/- 1.7, 24.8 +/- 2.0, 31.3 +/- 1.4, 33.1 +/- 1.8, and 31.6 +/- 0.8, respectively, in hearts given cardioplegic solution containing these magnesium concentrations. Thus, the concentration of creatine phosphate was significantly higher at end-arrest when the cardioplegic solution contained 8, 16, or 32 mM than 0 or 2 mM magnesium (p less than 0.002) or 4 mM magnesium (p less than 0.02), and highest with 16 mM magnesium. Also, creatine phosphate was more sensitive to the magnesium concentration of the cardioplegic solution than was end-arrest adenosine triphosphate levels, which did not differ among the experimental groups. Aortic flow, expressed as a percentage of prearrest aortic flow, was 60.3 +/- 5.0, 70.2 +/- 5.5, 71.6 +/- 4.4, 71.8 +/- 4.8, 81.0 +/- 5.0, and 71.8 +/- 5.3, respectively. The addition of magnesium to the cardioplegic solution improved recovery of aortic flow (p less than 0.05, 16 mM versus 0 mM magnesium). We conclude from these data that with deep myocardial hypothermia and at an ionized calcium concentration of 0.1 mM, the addition of magnesium, over a broad concentration range, improved preservation of myocardial creatine phosphate and, at a concentration of 16 mM, improved aortic flow. The optimal magnesium concentration in the cardioplegic solution was 16 mM.     

Effects of temperature on myocardial calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function during ischemia and reperfusion

An isolated rabbit heart preparation was used to characterize the effects of hypothermia on the deterioration in mitochondrial respiratory function and on the calcium overload that occurs during ischemia and reperfusion. Hearts were perfused aerobically with an asanguineous solution for 120 minutes or made totally ischemic for 90 minutes at 37 degrees, 34 degrees, 28 degrees, 22 degrees C, respectively, and reperfused for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring calcium content, yield, oxygen consumption, and adenosine triphosphate-producing capacities. In addition, the mechanical function of the hearts was measured together with tissue adenosine triphosphate, creatine phosphate, and calcium content. In a separate series of experiments, the effect of temperature on the initial rate of respiration-supported calcium accumulation of mitochondria from freshly excised, nonperfused rabbit hearts was determined. The hearts made ischemic at 37 degrees C were severely depleted of tissue adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate. Their mitochondria accumulated calcium and the oxidative phosphorylating activity was impaired. During reperfusion, tissue and mitochondrial calcium levels were substantially increased, state 3 of mitochondrial respiration was further impaired, and the adenosine triphosphate-generating capacities were severely reduced. Diastolic pressure increased and there was no recovery of developed pressure. Isolated mitochondrial function of hearts made ischemic at 28 degrees and 22 degrees C was protected. There was a less marked increase in tissue and mitochondrial calcium, and the initial rate and total production of adenosine triphosphate were maintained. In these hearts there was an almost complete recovery of mechanical performance at reperfusion, whereas the ischemia-induced depletion of tissue adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate was not significantly reduced by hypothermia. The hearts made ischemic at 34 degrees C were only partially protected. These data suggest that a decrease in temperature from 37 degrees to 22 degrees C during ischemia did not significantly prevent depletion of adenosine triphosphate at the end of ischemia but reduced tissue and mitochondrial calcium overload, maintaining mitochondrial function. Thus in our experiments the protective effect of hypothermia might be related to a direct reduction of tissue and mitochondrial calcium accumulation rather than to a slowing in rates of energy utilization. This possibility is supported by the finding that in freshly excised, nonperfused rabbit hearts, hypothermia significantly reduced the initial rate of mitochondrial calcium transport.     

Prevention of myocardial reperfusion injury by poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide, in cardioplegic solution: in vitro study of isolated rat heart model.

OBJECTIVE: Cardioplegic arrest remains the method of choice for myocardial protection in cardiac surgery. Poly(adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose) synthetase (PARS) inhibitor has been suggested to attenuate the ischemia-reperfusion injury in myocardial infarction by preventing energy depletion associated with oxidative stress. We investigated the efficacy of a cardioplegic solution containing a PARS inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), for myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by cardioplegic arrest. METHODS: Isolated hearts were set on a Langendorff apparatus and perfused. The hearts were arrested for 90 min with a cardioplegic solution given at 30-min intervals and then reperfused for 20 min. The hearts of rat in the 3-AB(-) group (n = 8) were perfused with a standard cardioplegic solution and terminal warm cardoplegia, whereas the 3-AB(+) group (n = 8) received these solutions supplemented with 3-AB (100 microM). Left ventricular function and release of cardiac enzymes were monitored before and after cardioplegic arrest. After reperfusion, NAD+ (nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide) levels were assessed, and the tissues were examined immunohistochemically for oxidative stress and apoptosis. RESULTS: During reperfusion, the 3-AB(+) group showed significantly higher (P = 0.005)dp/dt and lower creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level and glucotamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in the effluent (CPK; P = 0.003 GOT; P < 0.001) The cardiomyocytes of the 3-AB(+) group also preserved a higher NAD+ level (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical study of oxidative stress revealed a lesser extent (P = 0.007) of nuclear staining and a lower fraction of apoptosis in the 3-AB(+) group. CONCLUSION: Cardioplegic solution supplemented with 3-AB provides efficient myocardial protection in cardioplegic ischemic reperfusion by suppressing oxidative stress and overactivation of PARS.     

The effectiveness of University of Wisconsin solution on prolonged myocardial protection as assessed by phosphorus 31-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional recovery.

The effectiveness of the University of Wisconsin solution on extended myocardial preservation was examined in this study using phosphorus 31-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Isolated perfused rat hearts were arrested and stored in four preservation solutions: group 1, modified Krebs-Henseleit solution; group 2, modified St. Thomas' Hospital solution; group 3, oxygenated modified St. Thomas' Hospital solution containing 11 mmol/L glucose; and group 4, University of Wisconsin solution. The changes in myocardial high energy phosphate profiles and the intracellular pH values were measured during 12 hours of cold (4 degrees C) global ischemia and 90 minutes of normothermic reperfusion. Following ischemia, the hearts were assessed for hemodynamic recovery and myocardial water content. During ischemia, adenosine triphosphate depletion was observed in all groups; however, after 5 hours of ischemia, the adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly higher in group 3 compared with the other groups (adenosine triphosphate levels at 6 hours in mumol/gm dry weight: group 3, 7.6; group 4, 3.2; group 2, < 1; p < 0.025). The tissue water content at the end of ischemia was lower with the University of Wisconsin solution compared with the modified St. Thomas' Hospital solution or the oxygenated modified St. Thomas' Hospital solution (in ml/gm dry weight: group 4, 3.0; group 2, 4.4; group 3, 3.9; p < 0.05). The adenosine triphosphate repletion during reperfusion was greater with the University of Wisconsin solution compared with the modified St. Thomas' Hospital solution or the oxygenated modified St. Thomas' Hospital solution (12 mumol/gm dry weight in group 4; 8.1 in group 2; 9.0 in group 3; p < 0.05). Similar findings were obtained for the recovery of left ventricular pressure (in percent of preischemic control: group 4, 70%; group 2, 42%; group 3, 52%; p < 0.01) and coronary flow (group 4, 61%; group 2, 49%; group 3, 49%; p < 0.05). These data suggest that preservation with the University of Wisconsin solution affords improved hemodynamic recovery, enhanced adenosine triphosphate repletion, and reduced tissue edema upon reperfusion; however, oxygenated St. Thomas' Hospital solution with glucose is associated with the preservation of higher myocardial adenosine triphosphate levels during prolonged cold global ischemia. In conclusion, these data indicate that the University of Wisconsin solution might improve graft tolerance of ischemia in clinical heart transplantation.