Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model
Published on: October 27, 2020
Recovery of cardiac function after standard hypothermic storage versus preservation with Peg-hemoglobin
B U Jones1, D L Serna, G Beckham
1Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, Medical Center, Orange 92868, USA.
Insights
Hypothermic perfusion preservation using a novel oxygen-carrying solution (PEG-Hb) maintained cardiac function in rabbit hearts after 8 hours, comparable to shorter ischemic storage. This method shows promise for improving heart transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Heart transplantation requires effective preservation to prevent ischemic injury.
- Current methods like hypothermic ischemic storage have limitations.
- Oxygen-carrying solutions may mitigate myocardial damage during preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardiac function after 8-hour hypothermic perfusion with a polyethylene-glycol-hemoglobin (PEG-Hb) solution versus 4-hour hypothermic ischemic storage.
- To evaluate the efficacy of PEG-Hb solution in preserving myocardial function.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit hearts were divided into three groups: 8-hour PEG-Hb perfusion, 4-hour cold ischemic storage, and immediate testing (control).
- Left ventricular function was assessed using developed pressure and dP/dt measurements.
- Hearts were perfused with PEG-Hb at 20°C and 30 mm Hg, maintaining PO2 > 500 mm Hg.
Main Results:
- Hearts preserved with PEG-Hb showed a superior trend in LV function compared to ischemic storage.
- PEG-Hb preserved hearts demonstrated comparable LV function to those stored for a shorter ischemic period.
- Some myocardial function recovery was observed during PEG-Hb perfusion preservation.
Conclusions:
- Continuous perfusion preservation with PEG-Hb solution for 8 hours yields comparable cardiac function to 4-hour ischemic storage.
- PEG-Hb preservation may offer superior functional recovery compared to freshly extirpated hearts.
- Further investigation in large animal models is warranted for PEG-Hb perfusion preservation.
Abstract:
Preservation of the heart for transplantation after infusion of cardioplegia and extirpation of a cardiac allograft results in an ischemic insult to the myocardium. This ischemic insult may lead to a loss of function in the transplanted heart. Hypothermic perfusion preservation with an oxygen hemoglobin carrying solution may avert ischemic injury and lead to improved recovery of cardiac function. The purpose of this study was to compare cardiac function after 8 hours of continuous hypothermic perfusion with a unique polyethylene-glycol-hemoglobin (PEG-Hb) solution to hearts preserved by 4 hours of hypothermic ischemic storage. Freshly extirpated hearts served as functional controls. The hearts of 26 anesthetized and intubated New Zealand white rabbits were harvested after cold cardioplegic arrest. Group I (n = 12) hearts were perfused with a PEG-Hb solution at 20 degrees C and 30 mm Hg for 8 hours. PO2 was maintained > or = 500 mm Hg. Group II (n = 7) hearts were preserved by cold ischemic storage for 4 hours at 4 degrees C. Group III (n = 7) were tested immediately after harvest. Left ventricular (LV) function was measured in the nonworking state at 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after transfer to a standard crystalloid Langendorff circuit. Measurement of LV developed pressure, peak + dP/dt and -dP/dt revealed a superior trend between Group I and Group II hearts in comparison with freshly extirpated hearts. Heart rate was similar among all groups throughout testing (p = ns). Coronary blood flow was not significantly different between groups. Continuous perfusion preservation of rabbit hearts for 8 hours with PEG-Hb solution at 30 mm Hg and 20 degrees C yielded LV function that was similar to 4 hours of ischemic hypothermic storage. Furthermore, return of cardiac function after 8 hours of perfusion preservation using this PEG-Hb solution may be superior to that obtained in freshly extirpated hearts. These data suggest that some recovery of myocardial function may occur during perfusion preservation with this PEG-Hb solution after the ischemic insult of cardioplegic arrest. Continuous perfusion preservation using this PEG-Hb solution deserves further investigation in large animal transplant models.
