PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

R M Engelman

Publications and source records attributed to R M Engelman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Attenuation of myocardial reperfusion injury by sulfhydryl-containing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Recent studies have suggested the beneficial effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors against myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury. This study was designed to compare the cardioprotective effects of two sulfhydryl ACE inhibitors, captopril and zofenopril, with those of a nonsulfhydryl ACE inhibitor, fosinopril. The efficacy of these ACE inhibitors to scavenge oxygen radicals in vitro were also examined. Isolated rat hearts perfused by the Langendorff technique were preperfused in the presence or absence of ACE inhibitors (50 microns for 15 minutes, and the hearts were then subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Zofenopril and captopril, but not fosinopril, improved postischemic left ventricular functions and reduced myocardial cellular injury, as evidenced by improved recovery of the first derivative of left ventricular pressure development and reduced creatine kinase release compared with control (p less than .05). Coronary flow was significantly increased by captopril and zofenopril only. The same two drugs also inhibited the enhanced lipid peroxidation during reperfusion. Although significant differences were not noticed in the postischemic myocardial membrane phospholipid composition, captopril and zofenopril reduced nonesterified fatty acid contents, including palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and arachidonic acids. In vitro studies demonstrated that captopril and zofenopril were able to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. These results indicate that among three ACE inhibitors, two sulfhydryl-containing drugs, captopril and zofenopril, possess cardioprotective as well as free-radical scavenging abilities. Attenuation of phospholipid degradation and lipid peroxidation may be contributory to the protective effects observed in this study.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Oxygen-derived free radicals and hemolysis during open heart surgery.

Reperfusion injury occurs during open-heart surgery after prolonged cardioplegic arrest. Cardiopulmonary bypass also is known to cause hemolysis. Since reperfusion of ischemic myocardium is associated with the generation of oxygen free radicals, and since free radicals can attack a protein molecule, it seems reasonable to assume that hemolysis might be the consequence of free radical attack on hemoglobin protein. The results of this study demonstrated that reperfusion following ischemic arrest caused an increase in free hemoglobin and free heme concentrations, simultaneously releasing free iron and generating hydroxyl radicals. In vitro studies using pure hemoglobin indicated that superoxide anion generated by the action of xanthine oxidase on xanthine could release iron from the heme ring and cause deoxygenation of oxyhemoglobin into ferrihemoglobin. This study further demonstrated that before the release of iron from the heme nucleus, oxyhemoglobin underwent deoxygenation to ferrihemoglobin. The released iron can catalyze the Fenton reaction, leading to the formation of cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (OH.). In fact, the formation of OH. in conjunction with hemolysis occurs during cardiac surgery, and when viewed in the light of the in vitro results, it seems likely that oxygen-derived free radicals may cause hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass and simultaneously release iron from the heme ring, which can catalyze the formation of OH..

Cardiac Surgical Procedures

Reduced free radical generation during reperfusion of hypothermically arrested hearts.

Several studies indicate the presence of hydroxyl radical (OH.) as well as its involvement in the myocardial reperfusion injury. A transition metal-like iron is necessary for the conversion of superoxide anion (O2-) to a highly reactive and cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (OH.). In the present study, we have examined the generation of OH. and free iron in reperfused hearts following either normothermic (37 degrees C) or hypothermic ischemia (5 degrees C). Employing the Langendorff technique, isolated rat hearts were subjected to global ischemia for 30 min at 37 degrees C or 5 degrees C and were then reperfused for 15 min at 37 degrees C. The results of the study suggest that both the OH. generation in myocardium and free iron release into perfusate were significantly lower in hearts made ischemic at 5 degrees C as compared to 37 degrees C. Release of myoglobin and lactic acid dehydrogenase into perfusate also followed a similar pattern. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, chemically generated O2- at 5 degrees C caused a significantly lower rate of oxidation of oxymyoglobin as well as generation of OH. and free iron as compared to 37 degrees C. These results suggest that (1) reperfusion of hypothermic ischemic heart is associated with a reduction in the generation of OH. and cellular damage compared to that of normothermic ischemic heart, and (2) myoglobin, an intracellular protein, is a source of free iron and plays a role in the reperfusion injury mediated by free radicals.

Animals

Moderation of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by calcium channel and calmodulin receptor inhibition.

Intracellular Ca2+ accumulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial reperfusion injury. To study approaches designed to modify Ca2+ uptake during coronary revascularization after acute infarction, a pig heart surgical infarct model (left anterior descending artery occlusion for 60 min) was subjected to 60 min hypothermic potassium cardioplegic arrest, followed by 60 min of global reperfusion. Four groups of six hearts each were studied in a randomized manner, i.e., cardioplegia alone (control), cardioplegia + 10 microM diltiazem (Ca2+ slow channel blocker), cardioplegia + 10 microM trifluoperazine (TFP), (a Ca(2+)-calmodulin antagonist), and cardioplegia+diltiazem (10 microM) + TFP (10 microM). Left ventricular contractility (global and segmental), metabolism (coronary blood flow and O2 consumption), and creatine kinase generation were measured during reperfusion. Both the Ca2+ channel blocker, diltiazem, and the calmodulin antagonist, TFP, improved myocardial global and regional function as well as myocardial metabolism. While diltiazem better restored global and regional contractility, trifluoperazine had a greater effect on coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption. Enzyme release and lipid peroxidation were equally moderated by both drugs. From this study it can be concluded that Ca2+ influx does play a role in ischemic and reperfusion injury. The mechanisms of its effect are complex, but can be successfully antagonized by Ca2+ blockers as well as by calmodulin antagonists, with improved myocardial preservation.

Animals

Heat shock. A new approach for myocardial preservation in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that heat shock (HS) induces protective genes and HS protein (HSP) expression, which enhances cellular tolerance to ischemic injury. The present study sought to determine if 42 degrees C blood cardioplegia could be used to induce HSP expression and improved myocardial salvage after 2 hours of cardioplegic arrest. METHODS AND RESULTS: To study this, pig hearts (n = 6) on cardiopulmonary bypass were subjected to HS by continuous infusion to the globally arrested heart of warm blood cardioplegia (K+ = 30 meq/l) at 42 degrees C for 15 minutes followed by 2 hours of intermittent hypothermic (4-6 degrees C) hyperkalemic (30 meq/l) crystalloid cardioplegic arrest and 1 hour of reperfusion (heat shock group). The control group (n = 6) was subjected to only 2 hours of hypothermic crystalloid cardioplegic arrest followed by 1 hour of reperfusion without HS. Left ventricular performance, coronary blood flow, and creatine kinase release were determined before arrest and during reperfusion. Prearrest control biopsies were taken in a separate group of pigs (n = 6) for both HSP and superoxide dismutase activity. Additional biopsies were taken for the same measurements in both control and HS groups at the completion of reperfusion. In a single additional pig in both the control and HS groups, biopsies were taken during the study to estimate changes in HSP expression. The cytosolic protein of ventricular tissue was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the HSP70 family protein was examined by Western blot analysis using monoclonal antibodies. HSP was found to be increasingly expressed from control levels after 15 minutes of HS pretreatment, increasing progressively to a level significantly above the non-HS group. Associated with this increased expression of HSP was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity in the HS animals and significant improvement in both global and regional functions and reduced creatine kinase release. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that preconditioning the heart with HS improves postischemic ventricular performance and attenuates cellular injury. HS induces a change in cellular metabolism, prompting the expression of HSP and improving antioxidant activity, leading to improved function and reduced tissue injury during ischemia and reperfusion.

Animals

Effect of normothermic blood cardioplegia on postoperative conduction abnormalities and supraventricular arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Conduction defects and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are common after myocardial revascularization using current methods of cold hyperkalemic blood or crystalloid cardioplegia. The current retrospective study was undertaken to assess the influence of normothermic blood cardioplegia on conduction defects and SVT. METHODS AND RESULTS: The initial 92 patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at 28 degrees C and blood cardioplegia at 6-8 degrees C. The subsequent 120 patients underwent CPB and blood cardioplegia at 37 degrees C. In all patients, cardioplegia was initially given by a combined antegrade/retrograde technique. The incidence of new postoperative conduction disturbances was significantly less in the normothermic group (p < 0.001): 27.5% versus 57.6% immediately after surgery; 9.2% versus 41.3% 1 day after surgery; 4.2% versus 32.6% 2 days after surgery; 1.7% versus 19.6% on hospital discharge; and 1.7% versus 17.4% on late follow-up. The incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias was not statistically different: 40.0% warm versus 42.4% cold. The groups were identical except that mean cross-clamp times were significantly longer (73.8 versus 60.1 minutes), mean number of grafts were significantly higher (3.7 versus 3.4), and mean cardioplegia volume was significantly greater (5,627 versus 3,710 ml) in the warm group (p < 0.05). In addition, the warm group had a higher incidence of prior transmural anterior myocardial infarctions (35% versus 9.8%, p < 0.001) and emergency operation (16.7% versus 6.5%, p < 0.05). Creatine kinase (CK) MB release was significantly less in the warm group immediately after operation (24.9 versus 60.9 units/l) and on POD1 (19.2 versus 46.5 units/l) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Normothermic cardioplegia is associated with a marked decrease in new and permanent conduction disturbances and postoperative CK-MB release. This suggests that a significant factor in the pathogenesis of conduction blocks is cold-related injury. Supraventricular arrhythmias were not affected by the type of cardioplegia given.

Blood

Preservation of membrane phospholipids by propranolol, pindolol, and metoprolol: a novel mechanism of action of beta-blockers.

In this study, we examined the effects of three different beta-blockers, propranolol, pindolol, and metoprolol, on membrane phospholipid preservation in the ischemic and reperfused rat heart. Isolated rat hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer by the Langdendorff technique in the presence or absence of propranolol, pindolol, or metroprolol (20 microM each) for 15 mins at 37 degrees C. Hearts where then either made ischemic alone at 37 degrees C for 30 mins, or followed by 30 mins of reperfusion. Coronary flow and perfusate creatine kinase content were monitored during both pre- and post-ischemic periods. At the end of the experiment, hearts were frozen by freeze-clamping at liquid nitrogen temperature. Membrane phospholipids, fatty acid composition of these phospholipids, non-esterified free fatty acids, and myocardial thiobabituric acid (TBA) reactive product were examined in these hearts. The beta-blocker-treated hearts exhibited significantly less lipid peroxidation than the control hearts (P less than 0.05), as indicated by decreased formation of TBA reactive product and the higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in the phosphatidylcholine (PC) in heart. In addition, compared to the control group, less accumulation of free fatty acids was observed in the propranolol and pindolol treated groups. Finally, reduced myocardial creatine kinase release and enhanced recovery of coronary flow indicated significant myocardial preservation by these beta-blockers. The efficacy of these beta-blockers were in the following order: propranolol, pindolol, metoprolol. These results suggest that beta-blockers could also protect an ischemic heart from reperfusion injury by preserving the membrane phospholipids.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists

Reduction of infarct size by systemic amino acid supplementation during reperfusion.

The amino acids aspartate and glutamate, in combination, were evaluated as a means of reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function during reperfusion in an intact pig having an acute anteroseptal infarct. Three groups of 6 pigs each were randomly studied in a blinded manner: control (no amino acids), aspartate/glutamate 3 mmol/L, and aspartate/glutamate 13 mmol/L. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded distal to its first diagonal branch for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 6 hours. Aspartate and glutamate were administered systemically immediately before reperfusion. The following parameters were measured: infarct size and percent area at risk, global metabolic function, global and regional myocardial function, and tissue parameters of metabolic function. The results clearly showed a significant decrease in infarct size from 60% of the area at risk in control pigs to 37% in both 3 mmol/L and 13 mmol/L amino acid groups. Cardiac output, coronary blood flow, and global oxygen consumption were not significantly affected by the use of amino acids relative to the control group. Global left ventricular mechanical function was also not adversely affected by the infarct and was not altered by amino acid administration. Regional function, however, was significantly decreased by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in all groups to near 20% and only significantly recovered to 64% in the 13 mmol/L amino acid group. Adenosine triphosphate and acetyl coenzyme A measurements documented significant increases in the 13 mmol/L amino acid group relative to the control group. The conclusions of this study strongly support aspartate/glutamate supplementation for stunned, reperfused myocardium. It is apparent that the effect of amino acid supplementation on glycolysis is directly translated into improved regional function and reduced infarct size.

Animals

Prevention of myocardial reperfusion injury in experimental coronary revascularization following ischemic arrest by a novel antiinflammatory drug, ONO-3144.

The cardioprotective effects of a novel antiinflammatory drug, ONO-3144 (ONO), on ischemic-reperfused myocardium were investigated using an in situ pig heart model. Heart was subjected to 2 h of regional ischemia, with the final 1 h having superimposed global cardioplegic arrest followed by 1 h of reperfusion. ONO (20 microM) was administered after the arrest at the onset of reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (LV dp/dt), and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured under isovolumic conditions to assess cardiac contractility and compliance. ONO improved LVDP and LV dp/dt, and reduced LVEDP after 60 min of reperfusion compared to control. This drug also improved segment shortening and end-diastolic length significantly after 15 and 60 min of reperfusion. Slight improvements in oxygen consumption and creatine kinase (CK) release were also noted. In addition, ONO reduced lipid peroxidation and thromboxane formation but enhanced the production of prostaglandins. In vitro studied demonstrated ONO to be effective scavengers for both hydroxyl (OH.) and hypohalite (OCL.) radicals. The results suggest that myocardial reperfusion injury that developed after ischemic arrest was reduced significantly by ONO. This drug inhibited such injury, probably by directly scavenging potentially harmful radicals such as OH. and OCI., which are generated in ischemic-reperfused myocardium.

Animals

Epicardial activation in human left anterior fascicular block.

Four patients with coronary artery disease and chronic marked left axis deviation, defined as a frontal QRS axis more negative than -45 degrees, were studied with epicardial mapping during coronary bypass surgery. All patients had normal right ventricular and inferior left ventricular epicardial breakthrough sites and activation sequence. Normal breakthrough in the basal anterolateral left ventricular epicardium was absent in all four patients. Two patients had breakthrough in the apical region of the anterolateral left ventricle. In the other two this region was activated from wave fronts emerging in the right ventricle and inferior left ventricle. The latest site of left ventricular activation was the basal segment of the anterolateral wall, a site never found to be the latest activated in our previously studied patients without conduction defects. This site was activated during or slightly after the terminal portion of the QRS complex. It is concluded that marked left axis deviation in patients with coronary artery disease reflects delayed activation of the basal anterolateral left ventricle, and is consistent with the presence of block or delay in the anterior "fascicle" of the left bundle branch.

Adult

A technique of myocardial preservation perfusion.

We present a technique for administering cold cardioplegia that permits the pump technician to conveniently give the fluid. The method is comparable to that used in providing coronary perfusion for aortic valve procedures because it allows controlled volume flow and perfusion pressure. In addition, the technique is inherently safe from infusion of air bubbles.

Heart Arrest, Induced

Epicardial activation of the intact human heart without conduction defect.

To describe the epicardial ventricular activation sequence in the intact human heart, we obtained epicardial maps from 11 patients with normal QRS undergoing open heart surgery. Epicardial breakthrough (EBT), defined as the emergence of a radially propagating epicardial wavefront, occurred in three to five sites in each patient, and was earliest in the anterior right ventricle, 7--25 msec (mean 17 msec) after the onset of the QRS in all patients. Subsequent EBT occurred in the inferior right ventricle (10 sites in 10 patients), in the anterolateral left ventricle (13 sites in 10 patients), and the inferior left ventricle (eight sites in seven patients). Latest epicardial activation (LEA), defined as the latest site of recordable epicardial activity, occurred in the basal segments in all patients, anteriorly in the right ventricle in five patients, and inferiorly in six patients, four on the right and two on the left. LEA occurred 63--96 msec (mean 77 msec) after the onset of the QRS, and was recorded within 20 msec of the end of the QRS in all patients. Sequence of epicardial activation reflected a fusion process among the wavefronts. This descriptive and quantitative data should provide a suitable basis for comparison of abnormal ventricular activation sequences in patients undergoing surgery for preexcitation or ventricular tachycardia.

Adult

New technique for repair of posterior left ventricular rupture.

A case is presented of posterior left ventricular rupture occurring from resection of intramyocardial calcification during mitral valve replacement. The laceration was obvious on the operating table with discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass, but attempts at simple closure with buttressd sutures were unsuccessful. The ventricular defect was repaired by insertion of a low-porosity Dacron graft. A saphenous vein bypass graft was also placed between the aorta and circumflex coronary artery.

Heart Rupture

The time course of myocardial high-energy phosphate degradation during potassium cardioplegic arrest.

Myocardial high-energy phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate levels were determined in the in vivo pig heart model during ischemic arrest and reperfusion to determine the effectiveness of potassium cardioplegia in myocardial protection. Thirty-five pigs were divided into six experimental groups consisting of 2-hour normothermic arrest, 2-hour hypothemic arrest, 2-hour normothermic cardioplegic arrest, and 1-, 2-, and 3-hour hypothermic cardioplegic arrest. Myocardial biopsies from the left ventricle were obtained prior to arrest, every 30 minutes during the arrest interval, and at 30 and 60 minutes of reperfusion. The measurement of adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate showed that (1) cardioplegic arrest requires hypothermia to preserve high-energy phosphate levels in myocardial tissue; (2) hypothermia, while not completely protective alone, is more effective than potassium cardioplegia alone in providing myocardial preservation during 2-hour ischemic arrest; (3) the combination of potassium cardioplegia and hypothermia is additive in providing an effective means of maintaining myocardial high-energy phosphate stores during 1, 2, and 3 hours of ischemic arrest; (4) myocardial reperfusion does not allow a return to preischemic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels after 2 hours of arrest, except following hypothermic cardioplegia; and (5) extension of the duration of ischemic arrest to 3 hours using hypothermic cardioplegia prevents recovery of high-energy phosphate stores to preischemic levels during reperfusion. Optimal preservation can be achieved during 2 hours of ischemic arrest by using hypothermic potassium cardioplegia. The effects of myocardial reperfusion, however, prevent full ATP and creatine phosphate (CP) recovery following 3 hours of arrest. No other technique studied was as effective in providing myocardial preservation.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Delayed mediastinal infection after ventricular aneurysm resection.

A patient developing delayed mediastinal infection following ventricular aneurysm resection and double coronary bypass is presented. The source of sepsis was infection of a ventriculotomy incision that had been closed with Teflon-felt buttresses. Diagnosis was established by an increasing opacity on the lateral chest roentgenogram with a stable sternal wound. Treatment was ultimately successful only after removal of the infected Teflon and replacement by simple mattress closure. The need to remove the infected foreign body was clearly established by the initially unsuccessful attempt at simple debridement.

Heart Aneurysm

Evaluation of the Hunter-Sessions self-retaining aortic cannula.

A report of our experience with a new self-retaining aortic cannula is presented. We have used this cannula in more than 30 patients and found it to be very secure and convenient for rapid cannulation since no pursestring sutures are required for initial placement.

Adult