Effect of perfusate temperature on myocardial protection from ischemia.

During reperfusion, functional and metabolic recovery of the isolated working rat heart from one hour of ischemia was best in hearts selectively cooled at the onset of the ischemic interval by perfusion with 5 to 10 ml. of 10 degrees C. or 15 degrees C. Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Hearts similarly perfused at 4 degrees C., 20 degrees C. recovered significantly less well or not at all. Immediately after the hour of ischemia and prior to reperfusion, the absolute levels of glycogen and high-energy phosphates were best in the hearts perfused at 4 degrees C. However, metabolic function was best preserved in those perfused at 10 degrees C. and 15 degrees C., as evidenced by rapid recovery of high-energy phosphates and glycogen to control levels compared to metabolic deterioration in the 4 degrees C. group.