Effects of a 100% perfluorooctylbromide emulsion on ischemia/reperfusion injury following cardioplegia.

Protective effects of a perfluorooctylbromide emulsion on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MI/R) injury were evaluated in a modified Langendorff rat heart preparation. Isolated rat hearts were equilibrated in Krebs-Henseleit solution (KH) for 35 minutes and perfused with either cardioplegic solution (CPS) or a 100% perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) emulsion in CPS for 3 minutes. Hearts were then bathed in the emulsion or CPS. Both groups were subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia. Following 30 minutes of ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion with KH solution, hearts subjected to the 100% PFOB emulsion showed improved recovery of left ventricular function. Tissue activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were not affected by the emulsion in this model. Activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the bathing medium was elevated at the end of the experimental period in both control and PFOB-treated hearts. The PFOB emulsion reduced the decline in ATP and GSH levels produced by cardioplegia and subsequent reperfusion. No differences were noted in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels. These data suggest that the PFOB emulsion provides some protection for the myocardium against injury associated with cardioplegia.