[Ultrastructural and biochemical characteristics of the ischemic myocardium after reperfusion]

An experimental study in 19 mongrel dogs with myocardial reperfusion demonstrated the pathogenetic role of microcirculatory disturbances, conducive to cardiomyocyte damage. Electron microscopic and biochemical investigation showed that the accumulation of fluid was mainly due to inflated bound-water fraction, and the development of interstitial and, to a smaller degree, intracellular edema was connected with increased permeability of the histohematic border. Ultrastructural changes were more pronounced in the infarcted and marginal zones, while the intact zone showed adaptive changes only.