Intermittent hypoxic loading: a model system to study the early stages of myocardial lesions

Authors applied the model system of intermittent hypoxic loading to study the development of early myocardial alterations. It was found that a primary role is played by the deficiency of high-energy phosphate synthesis and by the disturbance of energetic and transport processes. The change of Ca2+-control, activation of anaerobic glycolysis and intracellular acidosis were found to be instrumental in decreasing contractility, impairing membranes and finally in a diffuse destruction of myofilaments.