N-acetylcysteine restores isoflurane-induced preconditioning against myocardial infarction during hyperglycemia

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia generates reactive oxygen species and prevents isoflurane-induced preconditioning. The authors tested the hypothesis that scavenging reactive oxygen species with N-acetylcysteine will restore protection against myocardial infarction produced by isoflurane in vivo. METHODS: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 45) were instrumented for measurement of systemic hemodynamics. Myocardial infarct size and coronary collateral blood flow were measured with triphenyltetrazolium staining and radioactive microspheres, respectively. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive an infusion of 0.9% saline or 15% dextrose in water to increase blood glucose concentrations to 600 mg/dl (hyperglycemia) in the absence or presence of isoflurane (1.0 minimum alveolar concentration) with or without pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg i.v.) in six experimental groups. Isoflurane was discontinued, and blood glucose concentrations were allowed to return to baseline values before left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. RESULTS: Myocardial infarct size was 27 +/- 2% (n = 8) of the left ventricular area at risk in control experiments. Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size (13 +/- 2%; n = 7). Hyperglycemia alone did not alter infarct size (29 +/- 3%; n = 7) but abolished the protective effect of isoflurane (25 +/- 2%; n = 8). N-Acetylcysteine alone did not affect infarct size (28 +/- 2%; n = 8) but restored isoflurane-induced cardioprotection during hyperglycemia (10 +/- 1%; n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: Acute hyperglycemia abolishes reductions in myocardial infarct size produced by isoflurane, but N-acetylcysteine restores these beneficial effects. The results suggest that excessive quantities of reactive oxygen species generated during hyperglycemia impair isoflurane-induced preconditioning in dogs.     

Hyperglycemia Prevents Isoflurane-induced Preconditioning against Myocardial Infarction

Background: Volatile anesthetics stimulate but hyperglycemia attenuates activity of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channels. The authors tested the hypothesis that acute hyperglycemia interferes with isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo.

Methods: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 79) were instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics. Myocardial infarct size and collateral blood flow were assessed with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and radioactive microspheres, respectively. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive an infusion of normal saline (normoglycemic controls) or 15% dextrose in water to increase blood glucose concentrations to 300 or 600 mg/dl in the absence or presence of isoflurane (0.5 or 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]) in separate experimental groups. Isoflurane was discontinued, and blood glucose concentrations were allowed to return to baseline values before left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion.

Results: Myocardial infarct size was 26 +/- 1% of the left ventricular area at risk in control experiments. Isoflurane reduced infarct size (15 +/- 2 and 13 +/- 1% during 0.5 and 1.0 MAC, respectively). Hyperglycemia alone did not alter infarct size (26 +/- 2 and 33 +/- 4% during 300 and 600 mg/dl, respectively). Moderate hyperglycemia blocked the protective effects of 0.5 MAC (25 +/- 2%) but not 1.0 MAC isoflurane (13 +/- 2%). In contrast, severe hyperglycemia prevented reductions of infarct size during both 0.5 MAC (29 +/- 3%) and 1.0 MAC isoflurane (28 +/- 4%).     

Hyperglycemia prevents isoflurane-induced preconditioning against myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetics stimulate but hyperglycemia attenuates activity of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channels. The authors tested the hypothesis that acute hyperglycemia interferes with isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo. METHODS: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 79) were instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics. Myocardial infarct size and collateral blood flow were assessed with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and radioactive microspheres, respectively. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive an infusion of normal saline (normoglycemic controls) or 15% dextrose in water to increase blood glucose concentrations to 300 or 600 mg/dl in the absence or presence of isoflurane (0.5 or 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]) in separate experimental groups. Isoflurane was discontinued, and blood glucose concentrations were allowed to return to baseline values before left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. RESULTS: Myocardial infarct size was 26 +/- 1% of the left ventricular area at risk in control experiments. Isoflurane reduced infarct size (15 +/- 2 and 13 +/- 1% during 0.5 and 1.0 MAC, respectively). Hyperglycemia alone did not alter infarct size (26 +/- 2 and 33 +/- 4% during 300 and 600 mg/dl, respectively). Moderate hyperglycemia blocked the protective effects of 0.5 MAC (25 +/- 2%) but not 1.0 MAC isoflurane (13 +/- 2%). In contrast, severe hyperglycemia prevented reductions of infarct size during both 0.5 MAC (29 +/- 3%) and 1.0 MAC isoflurane (28 +/- 4%). CONCLUSIONS: Acute hyperglycemia attenuates reductions in myocardial infarct size produced by isoflurane in dogs.     

Isoflurane Mimics Ischemic Preconditioning via Activation of K sub ATP Channels: Reduction of Myocardial Infarct Size with An Acute Memory Phase

Background: The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane directly preconditions myocardium against infarction via activation of K sub ATP channels and that the protection afforded by isoflurane is associated with an acute memory phase similar to that of ischemic preconditioning.

Methods: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 71) were instrumented for measurement of systemic hemodynamics. Myocardial infarct size was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. All dogs were subjected to a single prolonged (60 min) left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning was produced by four 5-min LAD occlusions interspersed with 5-min periods of reperfusion before the prolonged LAD occlusion and reperfusion. The actions of isoflurane to decrease infarct size were examined in dogs receiving 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane that was discontinued 5 min before prolonged LAD occlusion. The interaction between isoflurane and ischemic preconditioning on infarct size was evaluated in dogs receiving isoflurane before and during preconditioning LAD occlusions and reperfusions. To test whether the cardioprotection produced by isoflurane can mimic the acute memory of ischemic preconditioning, isoflurane was discontinued 30 min before prolonged LAD occlusion and reperfusion. The mechanism of isoflurane-induced cardioprotection was evaluated in two final groups of dogs pretreated with glyburide in the presence or absence of isoflurane.

Results: Myocardial infarct size was 25.3 +/- 2.9% of the area at risk during control conditions. Isoflurane and ischemic preconditioning produced significant (P < 0.05) and equivalent reductions in infarct size (ischemic preconditioning alone, 9.6 +/- 2.0; isoflurane alone, 11.8 +/- 2.7; isoflurane and ischemic preconditioning, 5.1 +/- 1.9%). Isoflurane-induced reduction of infarct size also persisted 30 min after discontinuation of the anesthetic (13.9 +/- 1.5%), independent of hemodynamic effects during LAD occlusion. Glyburide alone had no effect on infarct size (28.3 +/- 3.9%), but it abolished the protective effects of isoflurane (27.1 +/- 4.6%).     

Mechanism of preconditioning by isoflurane in rabbits: a direct role for reactive oxygen species

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to myocardial protection during ischemic preconditioning, but the role of the ROS in protection against ischemic injury produced by volatile anesthetics has only recently been explored. We tested the hypothesis that ROS mediate isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo. METHODS: Pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits were instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics and were subjected to a 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h reperfusion. Rabbits were randomly assigned to receive vehicle (0.9% saline), or the ROS scavengers N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 150 mg/kg) or N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (2-MPG; 1 mg. kg(-1).min(-1)), in the presence or absence of 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane. Isoflurane was administered for 30 min and then discontinued 15 min before coronary artery occlusion. A fluorescent probe for superoxide anion production (dihydroethidium, 2 mg) was administered in the absence of the volatile anesthetic or 5 min before exposure to isoflurane in 2 additional groups (n = 8). Myocardial infarct size and superoxide anion production were assessed using triphenyltetrazolium staining and confocal fluorescence microscopy, respectively. RESULTS: Isoflurane (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 24 +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM; n = 10) of the left ventricular area at risk compared with control experiments (43 +/- 3%; n = 8). NAC (43 +/- 3%; n = 7) and 2-MPG (42 +/- 5%; n = 8) abolished this beneficial effect, but had no effect on myocardial infarct size (47 +/- 3%; n = 8 and 46 +/- 3; n = 7, respectively) when administered alone. Isoflurane increased superoxide anion production as compared with control experiments (28 +/- 12 -6 +/- 9 fluorescence units; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that ROS produced following administration of isoflurane contribute to protection against myocardial infarction in vivo.     

Mechanism of Preconditioning by Isoflurane in Rabbits: A Direct Role for Reactive Oxygen Species

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to myocardial protection during ischemic preconditioning, but the role of the ROS in protection against ischemic injury produced by volatile anesthetics has only recently been explored. We tested the hypothesis that ROS mediate isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo.

Methods: Pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits were instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics and were subjected to a 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h reperfusion. Rabbits were randomly assigned to receive vehicle (0.9% saline), or the ROS scavengers N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 150 mg/kg) or N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (2-MPG; 1 mg [middle dot] kg-1[middle dot] min-1), in the presence or absence of 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane. Isoflurane was administered for 30 min and then discontinued 15 min before coronary artery occlusion. A fluorescent probe for superoxide anion production (dihydroethidium, 2 mg) was administered in the absence of the volatile anesthetic or 5 min before exposure to isoflurane in 2 additional groups (n = 8). Myocardial infarct size and superoxide anion production were assessed using triphenyltetrazolium staining and confocal fluorescence microscopy, respectively.

Results: Isoflurane (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 24 +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM; n = 10) of the left ventricular area at risk compared with control experiments (43 +/- 3%; n = 8). NAC (43 +/- 3%; n = 7) and 2-MPG (42 +/- 5%; n = 8) abolished this beneficial effect, but had no effect on myocardial infarct size (47 +/- 3%; n = 8 and 46 +/- 3; n = 7, respectively) when administered alone. Isoflurane increased superoxide anion production as compared with control experiments (28 +/- 12 vs. -6 +/- 9 fluorescence units;P < 0.05).     

Is isoflurane-induced preconditioning dose related?

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetics precondition against myocardial infarction, but it is unknown whether this beneficial action is threshold- or dose-dependent. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane decreases myocardial infarct size in a dose-dependent fashion in vivo. METHODS: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 40) were instrumented for measurement of systemic hemodynamics including aortic and left ventricular pressures and rate of increase of left ventricular pressure. Dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion and were randomly assigned to receive either 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.25 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane in separate groups. Isoflurane was administered for 30 min and discontinued 30 min before left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. RESULTS: Infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium staining) was 29 +/- 2% of the area at risk in control experiments (0.0 MAC). Isoflurane produced significant (P < 0.05) reductions of infarct size (17 +/- 3, 13 +/- 1, 14 +/- 2, and 11 +/- 1% of the area at risk during 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.25 MAC, respectively). Infarct size was inversely related to coronary collateral blood flow (radioactive microspheres) in control experiments and during low (0.25 or 0.5 MAC) but not higher concentrations of isoflurane. Isoflurane shifted the linear regression relation between infarct size and collateral perfusion downward (indicating cardioprotection) in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of isoflurane as low as 0.25 MAC are sufficient to precondition myocardium against infarction. High concentrations of isoflurane may have greater efficacy to protect myocardium during conditions of low coronary collateral blood flow.     

Is Isoflurane-induced Preconditioning Dose Related?

Background: Volatile anesthetics precondition against myocardial infarction, but it is unknown whether this beneficial action is threshold- or dose-dependent. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane decreases myocardial infarct size in a dose-dependent fashion in vivo.

Methods: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 40) were instrumented for measurement of systemic hemodynamics including aortic and left ventricular pressures and rate of increase of left ventricular pressure. Dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion and were randomly assigned to receive either 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.25 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane in separate groups. Isoflurane was administered for 30 min and discontinued 30 min before left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion.

Results: Infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium staining) was 29 +/- 2% of the area at risk in control experiments (0.0 MAC). Isoflurane produced significant (P < 0.05) reductions of infarct size (17 +/- 3, 13 +/- 1, 14 +/- 2, and 11 +/- 1% of the area at risk during 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.25 MAC, respectively). Infarct size was inversely related to coronary collateral blood flow (radioactive microspheres) in control experiments and during low (0.25 or 0.5 MAC) but not higher concentrations of isoflurane. Isoflurane shifted the linear regression relation between infarct size and collateral perfusion downward (indicating cardioprotection) in a dose-dependent fashion.     

Isoflurane preconditions myocardium against infarction via activation of inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding proteins

BACKGROUND: Isoflurane-induced myocardial protection during ischemia is mediated by adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium (KATP) channels; however, the intracellular signal transduction cascade responsible for this process has been incompletely evaluated. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane reduces myocardial infarct size through a Gi protein-mediated process. METHODS: Forty-eight hours after pretreatment with vehicle (0.9% saline) or the Gi protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (10 microg/kg intravenously), barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 43) were instrumented for measurement of aortic and left ventricular pressures and maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3-h reperfusion. In four separate groups, vehicle- or pertussis toxin-pretreated dogs were studied with or without administration of 1 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane. In two additional groups, dogs received the direct KATP channel agonist nicorandil (100 microg/kg bolus and 10 microg x kg-1 x min-1 intravenous infusion) in the presence or absence of pertussis toxin pretreatment. Myocardial perfusion and infarct size were measured with radioactive microspheres and triphenyltetrazolium staining, respectively. RESULTS: Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 7 +/- 2% of the area at risk compared with control experiments (26 +/- 2%). Pertussis toxin pretreatment alone had no effects on myocardial infarct size (31 +/- 4%) but blocked the beneficial effects of isoflurane (21 +/- 3%). Nicorandil decreased infarct size (11 +/- 2%), but, in contrast to isoflurane, this effect was independent of pertussis toxin pretreatment (11 +/- 1%). CONCLUSION: Isoflurane reduces myocardial infarct size by a Gi protein-mediated mechanism in vivo.     

Simvastatin Restores Ischemic Preconditioning in the Presence of Hyperglycemia through a Nitric Oxide-mediated Mechanism

Background: A growing body of evidence indicates that statins decrease perioperative cardiovascular risk and that these drugs may be particularly efficacious in diabetes. Diabetes and hyperglycemia abolish the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). The authors tested the hypothesis that simvastatin restores the beneficial effects of IPC during hyperglycemia through a nitric oxide-mediated mechanism.

Methods: Myocardial infarct size was measured in dogs (n = 76) subjected to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in the presence or absence of hyperglycemia (300 mg/dl) with or without IPC in separate groups. Additional dogs received simvastatin (20 mg orally daily for 3 days) in the presence or absence of IPC and hyperglycemia. Other dogs were pretreated with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (30 mg intracoronary) with or without IPC, hyperglycemia, and simvastatin.

Results: Ischemic preconditioning significantly (P < 0.05) reduced infarct size (n = 7, 7 +/- 2%) as compared with control (n = 7, 29 +/- 3%). Hyperglycemia (n = 7), simvastatin (n = 7), N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester alone (n = 7), and simvastatin with hyperglycemia (n = 6) did not alter infarct size. Hyperglycemia (n = 7, 24 +/- 2%), but not N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (n = 5, 10 +/- 1%), blocked the protective effects of IPC. Simvastatin restored the protective effects of IPC in the presence of hyperglycemia (n = 7, 14 +/- 1%), and this beneficial action was blocked by N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (n = 7, 29 +/- 4%).     

Isoflurane produces delayed preconditioning against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury: role of cyclooxygenase-2

BACKGROUND: Whether volatile anesthetics produce a second window of preconditioning is unclear. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane causes delayed preconditioning against infarction and, further, that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mediates this beneficial effect. METHODS: Rabbits (n = 43) were randomly assigned to receive 0.9% intravenous saline, the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal) five times over 2 days before coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion, or isoflurane (1.0 minimum alveolar concentration) 24 h before acute experimentation in the absence or presence of celecoxib pretreatment. Two additional groups of rabbits received a single dose of celecoxib either 30 min before or 21.5 h after administration of isoflurane. Rabbits were then instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics and underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size was measured using triphenyltetrazolium staining. Western immunoblotting to examine COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression was performed in rabbit hearts that had or had not been exposed to isoflurane. RESULTS: Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) reduced infarct size (22 +/- 3% of the left ventricular area at risk) as compared with control (39 +/- 2%). Celecoxib alone had no effect on infarct size (36 +/- 4%) but abolished isoflurane-induced cardioprotection (36 +/- 4%). A single dose of celecoxib administered 2.5 h before coronary occlusion and reperfusion also abolished the delayed protective effects of isoflurane (36 +/- 4%), but celecoxib given 30 min before exposure to isoflurane had no effect (22 +/- 4%). Isoflurane did not alter COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the volatile anesthetic isoflurane produces a second window of preconditioning against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. Furthermore, COX-2 is an important mediator of isoflurane-induced delayed preconditioning.     

Isoflurane Preconditions Myocardium Against Infarction via Activation of Inhibitory Guanine Nucleotide Binding Proteins

Background: Isoflurane-induced myocardial protection during ischemia is mediated by adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium (KATP) channels; however, the intracellular signal transduction cascade responsible for this process has been incompletely evaluated. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane reduces myocardial infarct size through a Gi protein-mediated process.

Methods: Forty-eight hours after pretreatment with vehicle (0.9% saline) or the Gi protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (10 [mu]g/kg intravenously), barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 43) were instrumented for measurement of aortic and left ventricular pressures and maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3-h reperfusion. In four separate groups, vehicle- or pertussis toxin-pretreated dogs were studied with or without administration of 1 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane. In two additional groups, dogs received the direct KATP channel agonist nicorandil (100 [mu]g/kg bolus and 10 [mu]g [middle dot] kg-1 [middle dot] min-1 intravenous infusion) in the presence or absence of pertussis toxin pretreatment. Myocardial perfusion and infarct size were measured with radioactive microspheres and triphenyltetrazolium staining, respectively.

Results: Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 7 +/- 2% of the area at risk compared with control experiments (26 +/- 2%). Pertussis toxin pretreatment alone had no effects on myocardial infarct size (31 +/- 4%) but blocked the beneficial effects of isoflurane (21 +/- 3%). Nicorandil decreased infarct size (11 +/- 2%), but, in contrast to isoflurane, this effect was independent of pertussis toxin pretreatment (11 +/- 1%).     

Isoflurane Produces Delayed Preconditioning against Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: Role of Cyclooxygenase-2

Background: Whether volatile anesthetics produce a second window of preconditioning is unclear. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane causes delayed preconditioning against infarction and, further, that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mediates this beneficial effect.

Methods: Rabbits (n = 43) were randomly assigned to receive 0.9% intravenous saline, the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal) five times over 2 days before coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion, or isoflurane (1.0 minimum alveolar concentration) 24 h before acute experimentation in the absence or presence of celecoxib pretreatment. Two additional groups of rabbits received a single dose of celecoxib either 30 min before or 21.5 h after administration of isoflurane. Rabbits were then instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics and underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size was measured using triphenyltetrazolium staining. Western immunoblotting to examine COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression was performed in rabbit hearts that had or had not been exposed to isoflurane.

Results: Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) reduced infarct size (22 +/- 3% of the left ventricular area at risk) as compared with control (39 +/- 2%). Celecoxib alone had no effect on infarct size (36 +/- 4%) but abolished isoflurane-induced cardioprotection (36 +/- 4%). A single dose of celecoxib administered 2.5 h before coronary occlusion and reperfusion also abolished the delayed protective effects of isoflurane (36 +/- 4%), but celecoxib given 30 min before exposure to isoflurane had no effect (22 +/- 4%). Isoflurane did not alter COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression.     

Mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphate-regulated Potassium Channel Opening Acts as a Trigger for Isoflurane-induced Preconditioning by Generating Reactive Oxygen Species

Background: Whether the opening of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium (KATP) channels is a trigger or an end effector of anesthetic-induced preconditioning is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the opening of mitochondrial KATP channels triggers isoflurane-induced preconditioning by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo.

Methods: Pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits were subjected to a 30-min coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h reperfusion. Rabbits were randomly assigned to receive a vehicle (0.9% saline) or the selective mitochondrial KATP channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) alone 10 min before or immediately after a 30-min exposure to 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane. In another series of experiments, the fluorescent probe dihydroethidium was used to assess superoxide anion production during administration of 5-HD or the ROS scavengers N-acetylcysteine or N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (2-MPG) in the presence or absence of 1.0 MAC isoflurane. Myocardial infarct size and superoxide anion production were measured using triphenyltetrazolium staining and confocal fluorescence microscopy, respectively.

Results: Isoflurane (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 19 +/- 3% (mean +/- SEM) of the left ventricular area at risk as compared to the control (38 +/- 4%). 5-HD administered before but not after isoflurane abolished this beneficial effect (37 +/- 4% as compared to 24 +/- 3%). 5-HD alone had no effect on infarct size (42 +/- 3%). Isoflurane increased fluorescence intensity. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, 2-MPG, or 5-HD before isoflurane abolished increases in fluorescence, but administration of 5-HD after isoflurane only partially attenuated increases in fluorescence produced by the volatile anesthetic agent.     

Protein kinase C translocation and Src protein tyrosine kinase activation mediate isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo: potential downstream targets of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and reactive oxygen species

BACKGROUND: The authors tested the hypotheses that protein kinase C (PKC)-specific isoform translocation and Src protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation play important roles in isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo. METHODS: Rats (n = 125) instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics underwent 30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion and received 0.9% saline (control); PKC inhibitors chelerythrine (5 mg/kg), rottlerin (0.3 mg/kg), or PKC-epsilonV1-2 peptide (1 mg/kg); PTK inhibitors lavendustin A (1 mg/kg) or 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1; 1 mg/kg); mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel antagonist 5-hydroxydecanote (10 mg/kg); or reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg) in the absence and presence of a 30-min exposure to isoflurane (1.0 minimum alveolar concentration) in separate groups. Isoflurane was discontinued 15 min before coronary occlusion (memory period). Infarct size was determined using triphenyltetrazolium staining. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopic imaging were performed to examine PKC translocation in separate groups of rats. RESULTS: Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) reduced infarct size (40 +/- 3% [n = 13]) as compared with control experiments (58 +/- 2% [n = 12]). Chelerythrine, rottlerin, PKC-epsilonV1-2 peptide, lavendustin A, PP1, 5-hydroxydecanote, and N-acetylcysteine abolished the anti-ischemic actions of isoflurane (58 +/- 2% [n = 8], 50 +/- 3% [n = 9], 53 +/- 2% [n = 9], 59 +/- 3% [n = 6], 57 +/- 3% [n = 7], 60 +/- 3% [n = 7], and 53 +/- 3% [n = 6], respectively). Isoflurane stimulated translocation of the delta and epsilon isoforms of PKC to sarcolemmal and mitochondrial membranes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Protein kinase C-delta, PKC-epsilon, and Src PTK mediate isoflurane-induced preconditioning in the intact rat heart. Opening of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and generation of reactive oxygen species are upstream events of PKC activation in this signal transduction process.     

The influence of B-cell lymphoma 2 protein, an antiapoptotic regulator of mitochondrial permeability transition, on isoflurane-induced and ischemic postconditioning in rabbits

Brief exposure to isoflurane or repetitive, transient ischemia during early reperfusion after prolonged coronary artery occlusion protects against myocardial infarction by inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Inhibition of mPTP during delayed ischemic preconditioning occurred concomitant with enhanced expression of the antiapoptotic protein B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). We tested the hypothesis that Bcl-2 mediates myocardial protection by isoflurane or brief ischemic episodes during reperfusion in rabbits (n = 91) subjected to a 30-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h reperfusion. Rabbits received 0.9% saline, isoflurane (0.5 or 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration, MAC) administered for 3 min before and 2 min after reperfusion, 3 cycles of postconditioning ischemia (10 or 20 s each) during early reperfusion, 0.5 MAC isoflurane plus 3 cycles of postconditioning ischemia (10 s), or the direct mPTP inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA, 10 mg/kg) in the presence or absence of the selective Bcl-2 inhibitor HA14-1 (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Isoflurane (1.0, but not 0.5, MAC) and postconditioning ischemia (20 s but not 10 s) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced infarct size (mean +/- sd, 21% +/- 4%, 43% +/- 7%, 19% +/- 7%, and 39% +/- 11%, respectively, of left ventricular area at risk) as compared with control (44% +/- 4%). Isoflurane (0.5 MAC) plus 10 s postconditioning ischemia and CsA alone also exerted protection. HA14-1 alone did not affect infarct size nor block protection produced by CsA but abolished reductions in infarct size caused by 1.0 MAC isoflurane, 20 s postconditioning ischemia, and 0.5 MAC isoflurane plus 10 s postconditioning ischemia. The results suggest that Bcl-2 mediates isoflurane-induced and ischemic postconditioning by indirectly modulating mPTP activity in vivo.     

Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channel opening acts as a trigger for isoflurane-induced preconditioning by generating reactive oxygen species

BACKGROUND: Whether the opening of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium (K(ATP)) channels is a trigger or an end effector of anesthetic-induced preconditioning is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels triggers isoflurane-induced preconditioning by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo. METHODS: Pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits were subjected to a 30-min coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h reperfusion. Rabbits were randomly assigned to receive a vehicle (0.9% saline) or the selective mitochondrial K(ATP) channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) alone 10 min before or immediately after a 30-min exposure to 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane. In another series of experiments, the fluorescent probe dihydroethidium was used to assess superoxide anion production during administration of 5-HD or the ROS scavengers N-acetylcysteine or N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (2-MPG) in the presence or absence of 1.0 MAC isoflurane. Myocardial infarct size and superoxide anion production were measured using triphenyltetrazolium staining and confocal fluorescence microscopy, respectively. RESULTS: Isoflurane (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 19 +/- 3% (mean +/- SEM) of the left ventricular area at risk as compared to the control (38 +/- 4%). 5-HD administered before but not after isoflurane abolished this beneficial effect (37 +/- 4% as compared to 24 +/- 3%). 5-HD alone had no effect on infarct size (42 +/- 3%). Isoflurane increased fluorescence intensity. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, 2-MPG, or 5-HD before isoflurane abolished increases in fluorescence, but administration of 5-HD after isoflurane only partially attenuated increases in fluorescence produced by the volatile anesthetic agent. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that mitochondrial K(ATP) channel opening acts as a trigger for isoflurane-induced preconditioning by generating ROS in vivo.     

Isoflurane does not produce a second window of preconditioning against myocardial infarction in vivo

The administration of a volatile anesthetic shortly before a prolonged ischemic episode exerts protective effects against myocardial infarction similar to those of ischemic preconditioning. A second window of preconditioning (SWOP) against myocardial infarction can also be elicited by brief episodes of ischemia when this occurs 24 h before prolonged coronary artery occlusion. Whether remote exposure to a volatile anesthetic also causes delayed myocardial protection is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the administration of isoflurane 24 h before ischemia produces a SWOP against infarction. Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 25) were instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics, including aortic and left ventricular (LV) pressures and LV +dP/dt(max), and subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size and coronary collateral blood flow were assessed with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and radioactive microspheres, respectively. Two groups of dogs received 1.0 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration isoflurane for 30 min or 6 h that was discontinued 30 min (acute) or 24 h (delayed) before ischemia and reperfusion, respectively. A control group of dogs did not receive isoflurane. Infarct size was 27% +/- 3% of the LV area at risk in the absence of pretreatment with isoflurane. Acute, but not remote, administration of isoflurane reduced infarct size (12% +/- 1% and 31% +/- 3%, respectively). No differences in hemodynamics or transmural myocardial perfusion during or after occlusion were observed between groups. The results indicate that isoflurane does not produce a SWOP when administered 24 h before prolonged myocardial ischemia in vivo. IMPLICATIONS: Isoflurane mimics the beneficial effects of ischemic preconditioning by protecting myocardium against infarction when it is administered shortly before a prolonged ischemic episode. However, unlike ischemic preconditioning, isoflurane does not produce a second window of protection 24 h after administration in dogs.     

Protein Kinase C Translocation and Src Protein Tyrosine Kinase Activation Mediate Isoflurane-induced Preconditioning In Vivo: Potential Downstream Targets of Mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channels and Reactive Oxygen Species

Background: The authors tested the hypotheses that protein kinase C (PKC)-specific isoform translocation and Src protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation play important roles in isoflurane-induced preconditioning in vivo.

Methods: Rats (n = 125) instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics underwent 30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion and received 0.9% saline (control); PKC inhibitors chelerythrine (5 mg/kg), rottlerin (0.3 mg/kg), or PKC-[epsilon]V1-2 peptide (1 mg/kg); PTK inhibitors lavendustin A (1 mg/kg) or 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1; 1 mg/kg); mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel antagonist 5-hydroxydecanote (10 mg/kg); or reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg) in the absence and presence of a 30-min exposure to isoflurane (1.0 minimum alveolar concentration) in separate groups. Isoflurane was discontinued 15 min before coronary occlusion (memory period). Infarct size was determined using triphenyltetrazolium staining. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopic imaging were performed to examine PKC translocation in separate groups of rats.

Results: Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) reduced infarct size (40 +/- 3% [n = 13]) as compared with control experiments (58 +/- 2% [n = 12]). Chelerythrine, rottlerin, PKC-[epsilon]V1-2 peptide, lavendustin A, PP1, 5-hydroxydecanote, and N-acetylcysteine abolished the anti-ischemic actions of isoflurane (58 +/- 2% [n = 8], 50 +/- 3% [n = 9], 53 +/- 2% [n = 9], 59 +/- 3% [n = 6], 57 +/- 3% [n = 7], 60 +/- 3% [n = 7], and 53 +/- 3% [n = 6], respectively). Isoflurane stimulated translocation of the [delta] and [epsilon] isoforms of PKC to sarcolemmal and mitochondrial membranes, respectively.