Milrinone effects on cardiac mitochondria, hemodynamics, and death in catecholamine-infused rats

I-Chun Lin1, Chih-Wei Wu2, Ying-Jui Lin3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. mslinichun@gmail.com.

Pediatric Research
|February 5, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Milrinone protects the heart from catecholamine-induced death by preserving mitochondrial function. This study highlights milrinone

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Catecholamine-storm is a primary cause of enterovirus 71-associated cardiopulmonary death.
  • Understanding milrinone's effect on cardiac mitochondria is crucial for treating heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of milrinone on cardiac mitochondria and mortality in a rat model of catecholamine-induced heart failure.
  • To evaluate milrinone's efficacy in counteracting norepinephrine-induced cardiovascular and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Rats received norepinephrine infusion, followed by co-treatment with milrinone or esmolol.
  • Vital signs, echocardiography, and cardiac mitochondrial function (including DNA copy number and key factors) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Norepinephrine caused tachycardia, hypertension, high mortality, and impaired mitochondrial function.
  • Milrinone improved survival rates and reversed mitochondrial damage, unlike esmolol.
  • Milrinone mitigated left ventricular enlargement induced by norepinephrine.

Conclusions:

  • Milrinone demonstrates cardioprotective effects by maintaining myocardial mitochondrial activity and function during hypernorepinephrinemia.
  • Preserving cardiac mitochondrial function emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy for catecholamine-induced heart failure.