NADH in situ laser fluorimetry: effect of pentobarbital on continuously monitored myocardial redox state

NADH laser fluorimetry was applied to in situ monitoring of pentobarbital overload effect on myocardial redox state in rats. Experiments were carried out on open-chest rats anesthetized with pentobarbital. Use of very thin optical probes allowed measurements of NADH fluorescence directly within the myocardial wall. Quantitative analysis of fluorescent and backscattered light signals was made possible on-line. In 8 animals, a slow IV infusion of 6% pentobarbital (2 mg.min-1 for 10 min) induced an average twofold increase in NADH fluorescence, with constant return to baseline level prior to injection after a maximum period of 50 min. Thus, pentobarbital overload strongly affects the myocardial energetic state, and this effect was precisely evaluated with NADH fluorescence monitoring. In situ-monitored myocardial redox state variations during pentobarbital infusion can constitute a reference for similar studies on pharmacological agents aimed at protecting tissues against ischemic biochemical damages.