Effects of autologous, cross-linked erythrocytes on isolated hypoperfused rabbit heart dynamics

The present study was aimed at assessing the effects of either red blood cells (RBC) or RBC cross-linked with the bifunctional dimethyl suberimidate reagent (C-RBC) on contractile force (CFo), heart rate (HR) and coronary flow (CF) of the isolated rabbit heart hypoperfused with RBC suspensions under 30 mm Hg constant pressure. RBC or C-RBC caused a rapid and marked reduction of CF, CFo and HR. In RBC-treated hearts, however, reperfusion with Tyrode solution partially restored the initial myocardial parameters, while in C-RBC-treated hearts a rapid impairment of diastolic relaxation with a subsequent, steady and increasing heart contracture was observed. Histological analysis showed that in C-RBC-perfused hearts either capillaries or precapillary arterioles were occluded by C-RBC in spite of extensive washings with Tyrode solution. These findings indicate that C-RBC impair coronary circulation markedly and irreversibly.