The calcium paradox in isolated frog heart: Ringer revisited

Restoration of a normal calcium concentration in the perfusate of isolated hearts after a short period of calcium-free perfusion may result in irreversible cell damage (calcium paradox). We have compared the calcium paradox in rat and frog hearts. Perfusion with zero calcium for 8 min at 37 degrees C predisposed the rat heart to the paradox. After the reintroduction of calcium to the perfusate resting tension rose, developed tension did not recover, ultrastructural changes occurred and enzyme loss was substantial. In the frog heart a calcium paradox did not occur after 8 min of calcium-free perfusion at 23 degrees C. Removal of both potassium and calcium caused a rise in resting tension on reintroduction of control solution, but the rise was only transient and absent if potassium was present during the perfusion with zero calcium. At 37 degrees C no complete calcium paradox occurred after 8 min calcium-free perfusion. Only a small rise in resting tension was apparent, and developed tension partially recovered. A calcium paradox could only be induced in the frog heart after calcium-free perfusion at 37 degrees C for 30 min. Ultrastructural changes were apparent and resting tension rose but even under these conditions the recovery of developed tension was not abolished. Release of creatine kinase was 161 +/- 55 IU/g dry tissue during the 15 min after reintroduction of calcium (n = 5). Calcium-free perfusion for 8 min resulted in a smaller release of creatine kinase over 15 min (39 +/- 11 IU/g dry tissue. n = 5).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)