Effect of Plant Polyphenols on Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury of the Isolated rat Heart and Vessels

In the present study, we investigated the potential protective effect of selected natural substances in a rat model of heart and mesenteric ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R). Experiments were performed on isolated Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts, subjected to 30‐min global ischemia, followed by 30‐min reperfusion. Arbutin, curcumin, rosmarinic acid and extract of Mentha x villosa were applied in the concentration of 1 × 10^?5 mol/l 10 min before the onset of ischemia and during reperfusion, through the perfusion medium. Mesenteric ischemia was induced by clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 60 min, subsequent reperfusion lasted 30 min. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by SMA ex vivo was determined by luminol‐enhanced chemiluminiscence (CL). The effect of the substances was tested after their incubation with tissue. Curcumin and extract of Mentha x villosa were found to be the most effective in reducing reperfusion‐induced dysrhythmias ‐ ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. This effect was accompanied by bradycardic effect. The mesenteric I/R induced an increase in CL in vascular tissue which was dampened by substances tested. All substances tested were found to have antioxidant properties, as demonstrated by a reduction in ROS production in mesenteric vessels. This effect was confirmed in curcumin and extract of Mentha x villosa which reduced reperfusion dyshythmias. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.