[Myocardial protection by a carnosine-buffered cardioplegic solution (author's transl)]

A carnosine-buffered, Na+-poor and Ca2+-free cardioplegic solution with pH 7.40 and physiological osmolarity was developed. The effect on the myocardium was more protective than that obtained with a corresponding unbuffered solution or a Mg-aspartate-procaine solution. The metabolic state of rabbit hearts was investigated up to 8 h of ischemia at 15 degrees C. A constant glycolytic rate was observed up to 6 h and the ATP content was maintained at 83% of controls. The ratio of glycolytic ATP production vs. total turnover of high-energy phosphates was 0.85. The small difference between energy demand and production may effect the conditions for good recovery.