Effects of erythropoietin on electrocardiogram changes in carbon monoxide poisoning: an experimental study in rats

The aim of this study was to define the electrocardiogram (ECG) changes following the moderate to severe CO intoxication in rats, and also evaluating the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on observed cardiac disturbances. The growing literature on erythropoietin effect on cardiac ischemia led us to question its effect on cardiotoxicity due to the carbon monoxide poisoning. Wistar rats were exposed to three different concentrations of CO (250 PPM, 1000 PPM or 3000 PPM). EPO was administrated (5000 IU/Kg, intraperitoneal injection) at the end of CO exposure and then the animals were re-oxygenated with ambient air. Subsequently ECG recording, heart rate and carboxyhemoglobin values were evaluated. ECG changes following the CO intoxication included ST segment elevation and depression, T wave inversion and first-degree AV block. Ischemic ECG changes reduced significantly in EPO-treated animals. In the present study, for the first time, EPO was investigated for the management of cardiac complications due to the CO poisoning. Our results showed that EPO could inhibit ischemic changes of ECG after the CO poisoning.