[Age differences in the post-reperfusion recovery of structure of the human myocardium]

The ultrastructure of myocardium was studied in children and adults with congenital heart defects 1 hour after intraoperational cardiac arrest followed by reperfusion. It was established that the intensity of adaptation reactions which provide the structural homeostasis, is progressively reduced with age resulting in gradual depletion of compensatory reserves. The presence of preoperational compensatory-adaptive reserve in children defines the possibility and adequacy of post-ischemic myocardial regeneration and restoration of its contractile function. The depletion of compensatory reserves in adults is one of the main reasons for development of post-reperfusion myocardial injury and of its plastic insufficiency.