Enhancement of beta-adrenoceptor function after reperfusion following cardioplegic arrest in rat hearts.

We investigated alterations in a beta-adrenoceptor (BAR) system after reperfusion following hypothermic ischemia induced by a high-potassium (18 meq/liter) cardioplegic solution in isolated rat hearts. Materials were divided into two groups: the reperfusion group (Gr-R, n = 5) with 40 min reperfusion following 40 min cardioplegic arrest (10 degrees C) and the control group (Gr-C, n = 5) with no ischemia as time-matched perfused control. BAR and adenylate cyclase activities in crude membrane fractions were compared. Results showed that basal, NaF-, and forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity did not differ between the two groups. The maximal enzyme activity in the presence of 10(-4) M (-)-isoproterenol was higher in Gr-R than in Gr-C, while the net activity stimulated by (-)-isoproterenol was 74% higher in Gr-R than in Gr-C. The [125I]Iodocyanopindolol [( 125I]CYP) binding assay showed that BAR density was 14% higher in Gr-R than in Gr-C, while the affinity was not significantly different. The IC50 values of (-)-isoproterenol for [125I]CYP binding were lower in Gr-R than in Gr-C and the proportion of high-affinity binding sites was higher in Gr-R than in Gr-C. These data showed that 40 min reperfusion following hypothermic cardioplegic arrest (40 min) resulted in significant increases in myocardial BAR density and maximal (-)-isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, and enhancement of BAR affinity for beta-adrenergic agonists due to the increase in the proportion of high-affinity binding sites.     

Captopril improves oxygen and glucose extraction in pig hearts during reperfusion after cold cardioplegic storage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the haemodynamic and metabolic effects of captopril during reperfusion of pig hearts following 360 min global hypothermic cardioplegia and storage (HCS). The hearts were perfused with one litre of cold crystalloid cardioplegia (Bretschneider solution no. 3), excised and stored in saline at 4 degrees C for 360 min. The hearts were then reperfused with blood in a modified Langendorff model for 60 min. Left ventricular function, myocardial blood flow, and arteriovenous differences in oxygen, glucose and lactate were monitored intraoperatively and during reperfusion. Two groups of hearts were studied. Group I (captopril treated, n = 9): the pigs were pre-medicated with increasing oral doses of captopril for 3 weeks (12.5 mg-150 mg daily) and an intravenous dose (25 mg) upon arrival at the laboratory. Captopril was added to the cardioplegia (1000 microg/l) and to the reperfusion media (1000 microg/l). Group II (controls, n = 8): the pigs were given no premedication, captopril-free cardioplegia and the hearts were reperfused with captopril-free blood. Captopril increased myocardial oxygen and glucose extraction during reperfusion (p < 0.05 for both) while lactate remained unchanged after 360 min HCS. Treatments with captopril increased developed left ventricular pressure (DLVP) and relaxation (-dP/dtmax) during reperfusion (p < 0.05 for both), while contractility (+dP/dtmax) was unchanged. Heart rate was reduced in captopril-treated hearts (p < 0.05) while myocardial blood flow (MBF) was similar in the two groups. Captopril administration prior to and during HCS and postcardioplegic reperfusion improves oxygen and glucose extraction in large spontaneously beating porcine hearts during reperfusion. The underlying mechanisms seem to involve metabolic modulation, since myocardial uptake of oxygen and glucose was increased in the absence of changes in myocardial blood flow.     

Captopril-induced glutamate release at the start of reperfusion after cold cardioplegic storage of pig hearts

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effects of captopril on glucose-related metabolism during hypothermic cardioplegic storage and subsequent reperfusion. METHODS: We compared hearts from control pigs with hearts from pigs treated with increasing oral doses of captopril for 3 weeks (12.5-150 mg daily), an intravenous bolus (25 mg) before operation, and captopril-containing cardioplegic solution (1 mg/L). The hearts were excised after infusion of cold crystalloid cardioplegic solution and stored in saline solution (4 degrees C-6 degrees C). In one series we studied myocardial blood flow and arteriovenous differences in oxygen, glucose, lactate, glutamate, and alanine during 60 minutes of postcardioplegic blood reperfusion. In this series captopril-treated hearts were reperfused with captopril-containing blood (1 mg/L). In another series we obtained biopsy specimens from the left ventricle throughout 30 hours of hypothermic cardioplegic storage and monitored tissue content of energy-rich phosphates, glycogen, glutamate, and alanine. RESULTS: Captopril increased glutamate and alanine release 11- to 17-fold at the start of reperfusion (P <.001). Furthermore, captopril increased myocardial oxygen and glucose uptake during reperfusion (P <.001 for both), whereas lactate release and myocardial blood flow were unaffected by captopril. At the start of reperfusion, there was a positive correlation between glutamate release and glucose uptake in captopril-treated hearts (r = 0.66, P =.05). We found no statistically significant differences between captopril and control hearts in tissue content of adenosine triphosphate, glycogen, glutamate, alanine, or lactate during 30 hours of cardioplegic storage. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic effects of captopril are strictly related to reperfusion, during which oxidative metabolism of glucose is improved. The captopril-induced increase in glutamate and alanine release at the start of reperfusion after cardioplegic storage may reflect a switch in metabolism of glucose-related amino acids.     

Improved myocardial preservation with short hyperthermia prior to cold cardioplegic ischemia in immature rabbit hearts.

OBJECTIVE: Recent observations have been shown that the induction and accumulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) by short exposure to nonlethal whole-body hyperthermia with normothermic recovery are closely associated with transient resistance to subsequent ischemia-reperfusion challanges. Here, this study was performed to investigate whether a shortly heat shock pretreatment affects the left ventricular (LV) function after cold cardioplegic ischemia in reperfused neonatal rabbit hearts. METHODS: Hearts from neonatal New Zealand White rabbits were isolated perfused (working heart preparation) and exposed to 2 h of cold cardioplegic ischemia followed by reperfusion for 60 min. To induce the heat shock response neonatal rabbits (n=5, HT-group) were subjected to whole-body hyperthermia at 42.0-42.5 degrees C for 15 min, followed by a normothermic recovery period of 60 min, before harvesting and the onset of global hypothermic cardioplegic arrest. Another set of hearts (n=5, control group) without a heat treatment underwent a similar perfusion and ischemia protocol served as control. The postischemic recovery was assessed by measuring several parameters of LV function. LV biopsies from all control and heat treated animals were taken before ischemia and at the end of reperfusion to examine myocardial HSP levels by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: At 60 min of reperfusion the HT-group showed significant better recovery of ventricular function such as LV developed pressure (DP) (74.6+/-10 vs. 52.1+/-8.5%, P<0.05), LV positive dP/dt (910+/-170 vs. 530+/-58 mmHg/s, P<0.01) and LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (8+/-2 vs. 18.4+/-5 mmHg, P<0.05) than control. Myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO(2)) was significantly higher in the HT-group compared with control (0.054+/-0.006 vs. 0.041+/-0.002 ml/g per min, P<0.05). Significant postreperfusion lower level in lactate production was observed in the HT-group (0.83+/-0.11 vs. 1.67+/-0.8 mmol/l, P<0.05). Also, the recovery of hemodynamic parameters such as aortic flow, coronary flow and cardiac output was significantly superior (P<0.05) in the HT-group. Furthermore, high expression of HSP72(+)/73(+) were detected in the myocardial tissue samples of heat-treated rabbits by immunoblotting, appearing even at 60 min of normothermic recovery after heat stress. CONCLUSIONS: These data in the immature rabbit heart indicate that previous shortly heat treatment with high level expression of heat shock proteins (HSP72(+)/73(+)) before hypothermic cardioplegic ischemia provides transient tolerance against myocardial injury and could be an improvement for the postischemic functional recovery of neonatal hearts.     

Heme oxygenase-1 overexpression protects rat hearts from cold ischemia/reperfusion injury via an antiapoptotic pathway

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the most important causes of the early graft loss. We have shown that overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible heat shock protein 32, protects rat livers against I/R injury. We report on the cytoprotective effects of HO-1 in a rat cardiac I/R injury model, using cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) as HO-1 inducer and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) as HO-1 inhibitor. METHODS: Three groups of Lewis rats were studied: group 1 control donors received phosphate-buffered saline 48 hr before the harvest; group 2 donors were pretreated with CoPP at -48 hr; and in group 3, donors received CoPP at -48 hr and ZnPP was given to recipients at reperfusion. Hearts were harvested, stored in University of Wisconsin solution (4 degrees C) for 24 hr, and then transplanted to syngeneic (Lewis) rats. RESULTS: Sixty percent of control grafts ceased their function in <15 min. In contrast, 80% of CoPP-pretreated grafts survived 14 days. All grafts stopped functioning within 24 hr after CoPP + ZnPP therapy. Cardiac HO-1 enzymatic activity and protein expression correlated with beneficial effects of CoPP and deleterious effects of adjunctive ZnPP treatment. Markedly less apoptotic (TUNEL+) myocyte/endothelial cells could be detected in CoPP cardiac grafts, as compared with controls. The expression of antiapoptotic (Bcl-2/Bag-1) proteins was up-regulated in the CoPP group. CONCLUSION: HO-1 overexpression provides potent protection against cold I/R injury in a stringent rat cardiac model. This effect depends, at least in part, on HO-1-mediated up-regulation of a host antiapoptotic mechanism, especially in the early postreperfusion period.     

Hypoxic reperfusion limits functional impairment following cardioplegic arrest in isolated rat heart

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion injury decreases both systolic contractility and diastolic compliance. Several studies indicate that the sustained decrease in diastolic compliance is mainly due to reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) generation and calcium overload. METHODS: Male Wistar isolated rat hearts were divided into 2 groups (n=10 each), perfused according to Langendorff technique and exposed to 45 min of ischemia. Hearts belonging to the first group were reperfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at 600 mmHg pO2; a 150 mmHg pO2 perfusate was utilized in the second group during the first minute and switched to 600 mmHg pO2 thereafter. Modifications in diastolic compliance and systolic contractility were assessed by changes in left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDP) and developed pressure (LVDP), and first derivative of the pressure curve (dP/dt). RESULTS: Increase in LVEDP values, with respect to pre-ischemic data, were detected at 1, 5, 10, 20 min following reperfusion at 600 mmHg pO2, and were respectively: +40.17+/-18.61, +57.5+/-28.8, +59.8+/-30.5 and +63.2+/-34.1 mmHg. At 150 mmHg pO2 they were: +15.69+/-13.13, +22.4+/-14.1, +26.2+/-13.7 and +28.9+/-15.8, with a significant difference within the first 20 min (p<0.05). At high pO2 levels, LVDP decreased of 53.0+/-27.35, 60.5+/-22.6, 59.8+/-23.3 and 50.7+/-25.0 mmHg, versus 42.7+/-25.7, 38.0+/-29.5, 39.2+/-30.9 and 38.7+/-32.7 mmHg at lower pO2 (p=NS). The correspondent values of the dP/dt were 37.8+/-27.7, 30.1+/-17.2, 32.2+/-13.6 and 35.4+/-14.0% of pre-ischemic values at high pO2, versus 43.3+/-27.09, 51.9+/-25.1, 50.1+/-24.6 and 53.1+/-29.9% at lower pO2. Statistical significance was lower for LVDP and dP/dt than LVEDP. CONCLUSIONS: Diastolic functional impairment was partially reduced within the first 20 min following low pO2 reperfusion, but without any significant improvement of contractility.     

Evidence for the role of neutrophils in reperfusion injury after cold cardioplegic ischemia in neonatal lambs.

The role of neutrophils in reperfusion injury after hypothermic, cardioplegia-protected ischemia is incompletely understood but may involve neutrophil-endothelial interactions. We examined 33 isolated blood-perfused neonatal lamb hearts arrested for 2 hours with 15 degrees C potassium cardioplegic solution and reperfused with unmodified blood (group C, n = 9), with neutrophil-depleted (Sepacell filter) blood (group ND, n = 9), with the addition of CV-3988, a platelet-activating factor antagonist, to the perfusate (group NA, n = 9), and with neutrophil-depleted blood plus CV-3988 (group ND/NA, n = 6). The percent recovery of isovolumic left ventricular developed pressure at a fixed balloon volume at 30 minutes after reperfusion in groups ND (84.8% +/- 11.8%, mean +/- standard deviation), NA (89.9% +/- 11.5%), and ND/NA (87.8% +/- 6.4%) were higher than in group C (73.1% +/- 7.9%) (p less than 0.05). Groups NA (105.5% +/- 13.7%) and ND/NA (108.0% +/- 11.2%) achieved higher percent recovery of coronary blood flow than group C (84.4% +/- 10.4%) (p less than 0.05). In each heart, we also tested coronary vascular resistance response to infusion of acetylcholine 10(-6) mol/L to assess endothelial function. Percent recovery of coronary vascular resistance response to acetylcholine was higher in groups ND (56.8% +/- 31.4%), NA (56.3% +/- 17.3%), and ND/NA (58.7% +/- 24.8%) than in group C (13.3% +/- 38.3%) (p less than 0.05). These results show that, after ischemia/reperfusion, groups ND, NA, and ND/NA had better recovery of both mechanical and endothelial function than group C. The parallel changes in recovery of mechanical and endothelial function suggest that neutrophil-endothelial interactions may be a significant factor in reperfusion injury.     

糖尿病大鼠离体心脏对缺血/再灌注的耐受性

目的评价糖尿病大鼠离体心脏缺血／再灌注后心脏功能的改变。方法链佐星(60mg／kg)诱导的糖尿病大鼠16只(D组),年龄匹配的健康雄性SD大鼠10只(C组),戊巴比妥钠(60mg／kg)麻醉后快速取出心脏,接上主动脉插管置于Langendorg装置上,Krebs-Henseleit缓冲液逆行灌注。平衡灌注20min,待心率(HR)及冠脉流量平稳后夹闭灌注道,进行全心缺血30min,复灌40min。持续监测心肌心电活动、左心室压峰值(LVPSP)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP)和左室压力最大上升／下降速率(±dp／dtmax),计算左室发展压(LVDP=LVPSP-LVEDP),用LVDP×HR(RDPP)表示左室作功。结果与C组相比,基础状态下,D组大鼠心脏HR减慢,LVDP、RDPP和±dp／dtmax降低,LVEDP升高(P<0.05或0.01);再灌注后HR、LVDP、RDPP、冠脉流出液、±dp／dtmax等心功能指标恢复百分率升高,肌酸激酶活性降低(P<0.05或0.01);心脏缺血-停搏时间延长。结论糖尿病心脏基础心功能损伤严重,但对缺血／再灌注的耐受性增强。     

The effect of controlled reperfusion in porcine hearts submitted to three hours of cold global ischemia

At present, many investigations of myocardial function following ischemic insults concentrate on the modalities of reperfusion rather than on the mode of preservation. In this study, we tried to define the effect of reperfusion using warm blood cardioplegia (WBC) after medium-term (3 h) cold global ischemia, as required in cardiac transplantation. Twenty-one porcine hearts were harvested after preservation with cold cardioplegia (St. Thomas Hospital solution) and topical cooling. Normothermic reperfusion with blood was initiated after 3 h of ischemia utilizing a special extracorporeal pump circuit. Twelve hearts served as controls (group A), while substrate-enriched WBC was applied during the initial 20 min of reperfusion in nine hearts (group B). Hearts in both groups were then studied for myocardial function and metabolism under both working and nonworking conditions for a maximum of 180 min. In the nonworking mode, left ventricular dp/dt was significantly higher in group B than in group A at 15 min (2201±785 mm Hg/sec vs 1515±732 mm Hg/sec) and at 180 min (1730±471 mm Hg/sec vs 836±147 mm Hg/sec;P<0.05). After 3 h, lactate production was significantly higher in group A (371±45 mg/dl) than in group B (108±44 mg/dl;P<0.05). Creatine kinase release into the coronary sinus was also significantly elevated in group A at 15 min (2807±1478 IU/l vs 1148±1272 IU/l;P<0.05). Similarly, the hemodynamic data obtained under working conditions in group B were superior to those in group A. We conclude that following 3 h of cold global ischemia, reperfusion with WBC improves myocardial function and metabolism. Cautious application in clinical heart transplantation is recommended.     

The effect of controlled reperfusion in porcine hearts submitted to three hours of cold global ischemia

Abstract. At present, many investigations of myocardial function following ischemic insults concentrate on the modalities of reperfusion rather than on the mode of preservation. In this study, we tried to define the effect of reperfusion using warm blood cardioplegia (WBC) after medium-term (3 h) cold global ischemia, as required in cardiac transplantation. Twenty-one porcine hearts were harvested after preservation with cold cardioplegia (St. Thomas Hospital solution) and topical cooling. Normothermic reperfusion with blood was initiated after 3 h of ischemia utilizing a special extracorporeal pump circuit. Twelve hearts served as controls (group A), while substrate-enriched WBC was applied during the initial 20 min of reperfusion in nine hearts (group B). Hearts in both groups were then studied for myocardial function and metabolism under both working and nonworking conditions for a maximum of 180 min. In the nonworking mode, left ventricular dp/dt was significantly higher in group B than in group A at 15 min (2201 ± 785 mm Hg/sec vs 1515 ± 732 mm Hg/sec) and at 180min (1730 ± 471 mm Hg/sec vs 836 ± 147 mm Hg/sec; P <0. 05). After 3 h, lactate production was significantly higher in group A (371 ± 45mg/dl) than in group B (108 ± 44 mg/dl; P < 0. 05). Creatine kinase release into the coronary sinus was also significantly elevated in group A at-15min (2807 ± 1478 IU/l vs 1148 ± 1272 IU/l; P < 0. 05). Similarly, the hemodynamic data obtained under working conditions in group B were superior to those in group A. We conclude that following 3 h of cold global ischemia, reperfusion with WBC improves myocardial function and metabolism. Cautious application in clinical heart transplantation is recommended.     

大鼠肾冷缺血再灌注损伤模型的建立

目的 建立大鼠肾冷缺血再灌注损伤(IRI)的模型.方法 封闭群SD大鼠24只,随机分为2组(n=12):A组(对照组),B组(实验组).A组切除右肾并游离左肾蒂,60 min后关闭腹腔切口.B组采用冷缺血再灌注模型,主要步骤:(1)冷灌注:右肾动脉插管对左肾原位灌注.通过右肾静脉插管将灌注液引流出体外,完成冷灌注后切除右肾,阻断左肾蒂.(2)冷缺血保存:将已充分游离的左肾牵至腹腔外,在自制保存袋中冷保存.(3)再灌注:60min后,去除保存袋,开放血流,再灌注左肾,左肾复位,缝合切口;2组大鼠均在术后24 h再次手术切除左.肾.肾组织进行光镜、电镜形态学检查,检测肾组织匀浆中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力、丙二醛(MDA)含量,术前与术后24 h取血标本进行测定血尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)评估肾功能.结果 (1)形态学检查(光镜与电镜超微结构):A组肾脏组织形态结构正常,B组损伤表现明显;(2)A组手术前后比较血浆BUN、Cr测定值差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).IR后的B组均高于术前,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);(3)IRI后A组肾组织匀浆SOD活力高于B组(P＜0.05),A组肾组织匀浆MDA含量测定值低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 建立的模型要求条件简单、易行,可用于肾移植冷缺血再灌注损伤相关的研究;

Abstract：

Objective In this study,for studying IRI in kidney transplantation. ,we established the models of cold ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats. Methods Twenty four SD rats were randomly assigned to two groups:control (A) ,and experimental (B) group. Group A was only removed the right kidney. Cold ischemia reperfusion was performed as the follow-listed model in Group B. The main process of the model: ( 1) Perfusing left kidney: after resected the right kidney of the rat, one pipe was put in the remainder right renal artery to perfuse the left kidney. The perfusion flowed out through another pipe in the right renal vein. The blood vessels of left kidney were clipped after cold perfusion. (2) Cold ischemic conservancy : the operation table was leant to left side, and the left kidney was taken out of abdominal cavity then stored in a cold bag which was full of ice and water,but the vessels of that were intact. (3) Reperfusing left kidney: after 60 minutes, the clip was removed. Left kidneys of all rats in two groups were removed to be detected. Structure of the kidney was evaluated by light microscopy and electronic microscopy. Superoxide dismutase ( SOD) activity and malondialdehyde ( MDA) content in the renal tissues was examined,and the renal function was also assessed by determining the levels of blood urea nitrogen ( BUN) and serum creatinine (CR) before and 24 hours after operation. Results (1) Morphologic change (hematoxylin-eosin staining) :A normal morphology was observed by light microscopy and electon microscopy in group A.Significant injury was detected in group B. (2 ) In group A, there was not significant difference about BUN and CR between before and after operation (P ＞0. 05) ,but in Group B,those increased significantly at 24 hour after operation (P ＜0. 05). (3) Activity of SOD in renal tissues in group A was higher than those in group B (P ＜ 0. 05 ) , meanwhile, Content of MDA in group A was lower than those in group B ( P ＜0. 05 ).Conclusion The rat renal cold ischemia reperfusion model we established is feasible regardless of experimental conditions, and can be studied as the events following IRI in kidney transplantation.     

极化心脏停搏液对离体大鼠心脏的保护作用

目的探讨Na+通道阻滞剂河豚毒素(tetraodontoxin,TTX)在极化状态下对离体大鼠心脏的保护作用. 方法将20只Wistar大鼠按体重均衡原则随机分成两组,每组10只.取出心脏建立Langendorff灌注模型和左心工作灌注模型,分别用去极化心脏停搏液(St.Thomas 2号液,STH-2组)和极化心脏停搏液(22 μmol/L TTX + K-H缓冲液,TTX组)停搏,低温保存5小时后再灌注心脏.观察两组心脏缺血前、后在心功能、心肌酶漏出量、三磷酸腺苷酶(ATPase)活性、再灌注后心肌胞浆游离Ca2+浓度和心肌超微结构等方面的改变. 结果恢复灌注后,TTX组心功能恢复明显优于STH-2组(P＜0.01),心肌酶漏出量较少(P＜0.05),各种ATPase维持较高的活性(P＜0.01),胞浆游离Ca2+浓度明显低于STH-2组(P＜0.01),心肌超微结构得到很好的保护. 结论以TTX阻断Na+通道为特点的极化心脏停搏液对大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用优于去极化心脏停搏液,有希望成为新型、有效的心脏停搏液和供者心脏保存液.     

Effects of cold ischemia and reperfusion on trapping of erythrocytes in the rat kidney

After reperfusion of kidneys subjected to a period of warm ischemia, the medulla displays a vascular congestion of erythrocytes, especially in the inner stripe of the outer zone, a phenomenon referred to as trapping. This trapping causes reflow alterations, thus contributing to postperfusion medullary ischemia. The purpose of the present investigation was to study whether trapping also occurs after reperfusion of kidneys following varying periods of cold ischemia and to determine if there is any correlation between the degree of cold ischemic injury and the extent of erythrocyte trapping. Rat kidneys stored at+4°C for 0–30 h were transphanted into recipient animals pretreated with a ⁵¹Cr-labelled erythrocyte suspension. Twenty minutes after reperfusion, the grafts were removed and microdissected into cortex, outer and inner stripes of the outer medullary zone, and inner zone, respectively. The radioactivity of these specimens was measured, and the erythrocyte content for each specimen was calculated. The results show a maximal trapping for cold ischemia time (CIT) of about 12–15 h. A linear correlation between the amount of trapping and CIT could be found in all parts of the kidney (except for the cortex) for CIT 0–15 h. The best correlation was found in the part where the trapping was most prominent, i.e., in the inner stripe. After CIT of 15 h or more, no correlation could be found. It is suggested, as described in models of warm ischemia, that the obstructions of the capillaries by trapped erythrocytes following reperfusion is of pathophysiological significance for the development of posttransplant acute renal failure. Furthermore, the strong correlation between CIT and the extent of erythrocyte trapping, particularly in the inner stripe, indicates that measurement of erythrocyte trapping after reperfusion could be a sensitive indicator of the degree of cold ischemic damage.     

Effects of cold ischemia and reperfusion on trapping of erythrocytes in the rat kidney

Abstract. After reperfusion of kidneys subjected to a period of warm ischemia, the medulla displays a vascular congestion of erythrocytes, especially in the inner stripe of the outer zone, a phenomenon referred to as "trapping." This trapping causes reflow alterations, thus contributing to postperfusion medullary ischemia. The purpose of the present investigation was to study whether trapping also occurs after reperfusion of kidneys following varying periods of cold ischemia and to determine if there is any correlation between the degree of cold ischemic injury and the extent of erythrocyte trapping. Rat kidneys stored at +4°C for 0–30 h were transplanted into recipient animals pretreated with a ⁵¹Cr-labelled erythrocyte suspension. Twenty minutes after reperfusion, the grafts were removed and microdissected into cortex, outer and inner stripes of the outer medullary zone, and inner zone, respectively. The radioactivity of these specimens was measured, and the erythrocyte content for each specimen was calculated. The results show a maximal trapping for cold ischemia time (CIT) of about 12–15 h. A linear correlation between the amount of trapping and CIT could be found in all parts of the kidney (except for the cortex) for CIT 0–15 h. The best correlation was found in the part where the trapping was most prominent, i.e., in the inner stripe. After CIT of 15 h or more, no correlation could be found. It is suggested, as described in models of warm ischemia, that the obstructions of the capillaries by trapped erythrocytes following reperfusion is of pathophysiological significance for the development of post-transplant acute renal failure. Furthermore, the strong correlation between CIT and the extent of erythrocyte trapping, particularly in the inner stripe, indicates that measurement of erythrocyte trapping after reperfusion could be a sensitive indicator of the degree of cold ischemic damage.     

Metabolic and functional effects of creatine phosphate in cardioplegic solution. Studies on rat hearts during and after normothermic ischemia

Creatine phosphate is a precursor molecule for ATP synthesis, even under ischemic conditions. We investigated its functional and metabolic effects when added to cardioplegic solution. Rat hearts were subjected to normothermic ischemia for 15 or 30 min and then freeze-clamped. During ischemia there was gradual reduction of high-energy phosphates, but the hearts with creatine phosphate supplement showed higher myocardial content of ATP and of the creatine compound. Other hearts, subjected to 20 min of ischemia, were reperfused with blood for 40 min. Creatine phosphate supplementation resulted in better left ventricular isovolumic work during spontaneous activity, but in paced activity (400 beats/min) no significant differences were seen. After reperfusion, supplemented hearts showed a tendency to higher levels of ATP and creatine phosphate. In all three groups the hearts with cardioplegic supplement had significantly increased myocardial content of pyruvate without proportional lactate increase. The results indicate that creatine phosphate may be an effective constituent in cardioplegic solution.     

Effects of carnitine on cardiac function after cardioplegic ischemia in neonatal rabbit hearts

BACKGROUND: Ischemia immediately impairs myocardial fatty acid metabolism and reduces the concentration of carnitine which is an essential cofactor for fatty acid metabolism in the mitochondria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carnitine administration on recovery of cardiac function after cardioplegic ischemia in the neonatal heart where fatty acid metabolism is not a predominant source of adenosine triphosphate. METHODS: Isolated blood-perfused neonatal rabbit hearts underwent 3 hours of cold cardioplegic ischemia. The control group (n = 10) was reperfused with unmodified diluted blood. The carnitine group (n = 10) was reperfused with the blood containing 5 mM/L of carnitine. Before ischemia (base line) and after 15 and 30 minutes reperfusion, left ventricular (LV) function and LV compliance were measured using a intraventricular conductance catheter combined with an isovolumic balloon. Coronary blood flow was measured and myocardial oxygen consumption was calculated. RESULTS: Carnitine significantly improved not only LV systolic function but also LV diastolic function (p < 0.05) as well as LV compliance after ischemia. Coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption were significantly improved after ischemia in the carnitine group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that carnitine strikingly improves LV functional recovery and aerobic metabolism after cold cardioplegic arrest, and may improve cardiac performance in neonates after open heart surgery.     

Effects of initial reperfusion temperature and pressure after prolonged cardioplegic ischemic arrest. A metabolic and functional study in rat hearts

The effects of temperature and pressure during early cardiac reperfusion after 3.5 hours of hypothermic, cardioplegic ischemia were investigated in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. The hearts were randomized in two groups and subjected to different techniques of reperfusion. The group I hearts were exposed to rapidly rising perfusion pressure and temperature, and in group II slowly rising pressure and temperature were employed. After 60 min of reperfusion, left ventricular developed pressure, coronary flow and tissue content of high-energy phosphates were evaluated. Left ventricular pressure and coronary flow were significantly better preserved in group II. Recovery of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate was significantly lower in group I (5.27 +/- 0.38 and 8.72 +/- 0.62 mumol x g dry weight-1) than in group II (9.31 +/- 0.41 and 14.97 +/- 0.62). The study thus demonstrated that functional recovery, restoration of coronary flow and normalization of high-energy phosphate stores after long periods of hypothermic cardioplegic ischemia can be considerably influenced by the employed reperfusion technique.     

Cyclosporin-A does not prevent cold ischemia/reperfusion injury of rat livers

Cyclosporin-A (CsA) has been reported to protect livers from warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. To study if CsA has also a protective effect on cold I/R injury, two models were used: the isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) and the orthotopic rat liver transplantation (ORLT). (1) IPRL: Livers were preserved for 24 h (5°C) in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution alone (group 1), with CsA (400 nM) dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (50 μM) (group 2), and with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) alone (group 3). Livers were reperfused for 60 min (37°C) (n = 8/group). Cell necrosis was evaluated by trypan blue uptake and apoptosis by laddering and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and by caspase-3 activation. Marked and similar sinusoidal endothelial cell necrosis was found in the three groups while apoptosis was found similarly deceased in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1. (2) ORLT: Donors received either CsA (5 mg/kg) or corn oil 24 h before transplantation. Recipients were sacrificed after 240 min; cell necrosis and apoptosis were then evaluated. No difference was found between treated and control groups. The current data strongly suggest that CsA has no protective effect on hepatic cold I/R injury. Hepatocyte apoptosis can be reduced by antioxidants, as occurred with DMSO, but introduction of CsA does not provide additional protective effect.