Experimental studies on myocardial metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in surface-induced deep hypothermia

In surface-induced deep hypothermia, metabolic acidosis resulting from lactacidemia was observed. In the hypothermic heart, the rate of reduction in the coronary arteriovenous (A-V) difference ratio of lactate, pyruvate, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) was proportionately less than that of coronary flow and myocardial oxygen consumption, suggesting that lactate, pyruvate, and NEFA play important roles as energy fuels in the hypothermic heart. Myocardial metabolism of glucose was reduced; exogenous corticosteroids and ATP do not influence the myocardial metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in the hypothermic heart.