Effects of cardioplegic solutions on conductive coronary arteries

The effects of two cardioplegic solutions (CPSs) on isolated, superfused, bovine coronary arteries were compared with those produced by changes in composition of standard Krebs medium. High potassium, low sodium content or the addition of albumin produced vasoconstriction; high magnesium, high glucose content or the addition of mannitol led to vasodilatation. In most cases hypothermia slightly reduced vasoconstriction and enhanced vasodilatation. The action of the two CPSs is the result of the interaction of these basic effects. The results suggest that the vasomotor reactions of coronary arteries to CPS may affect the delivery of the CPS to the myocardium and exert a critical influence on successful cardioplegia.