Myocardial Damage Induced by Uncontrolled Reoxygenation

Abstract

To evaluate myocardial impairment induced by uncontrolled reoxygenation, the effects of hypoxia-reoxygenation were compared with ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat hearts. After stabilization, 2 groups (n = 8) of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were exposed to 40 minutes of ischemia (10% of baseline flow) or hypoxia (10% of baseline oxygen content) followed by a sudden return to baseline conditions (reperfusion or reoxygenation). The O₂ content was identical for the two groups during baseline conditions, O₂ shortage, and O₂ readmission. Metabolic (lactate production) and functional parameters (heart rate, peak systolic pressure, left ventricular developed pressure, maximal contraction and relaxation rates, end-diastolic pressure, coronary perfusion pressure) were recorded at the end of stabilization, after O₂ deficiency, and after 2 minutes of reoxygenation. Systolic function was significantly depressed after ischemia (p < 0.0001) but completely recovered to baseline values after 2 minutes of reperfusion. In contrast, systolic function was less severely depressed after hypoxia but failed to return to baseline after 2 minutes of reoxygenation. Diastolic function, unchanged during ischemia-reperfusion, remained significantly impaired during hypoxia-reoxygenation.