The effects of glucose infusion on myocardial performance during acute hypoxia

The effects of hypoxia with or without glucose infusion on the cardiac contractility, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood electrolytes (sodium and potassium), glucose, pH, Po2, and Pco2 in anesthetized dogs were studied. Hypoxia was induced by ventilating the dogs with reduced oxygen (10%) in the inspired air. Hypoxia produced a decrease in the cardiac contractility and blood pressure, and an increase in the heart rate and central venous pressure. It produced a decrease in the blood pH, Po2, and Pco2, and an increase in the blood glucose and potassium. Glucose infusion during hypoxia delayed the rate of decrease in the contractility and blood pressure significantly. The time for decrease in the contracility to 45 to 50% was increased by 67%. Glucose infusion prevented the loss of potassium from the cell. Glucose infusion however, was unable to correct acidosis. These results indicate that glucose infusion during hypoxia might prevent or delay the deterioration of myocardial function.