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A potential role for nitric oxide in myocardial stunning
B G Hattler1, J Gorcsan, N Shah
1Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213-2582.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|May 1, 1994
Summary
The human heart produces nitric oxide (NO), with levels significantly increasing after cardiac surgery reperfusion. This NO surge, linked to increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, may play a role in myocardial stunning.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The human heart produces nitric oxide (NO), a critical signaling molecule.
- Basal NO production in the human heart is approximately 126 pmol/min per gram.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in NO production and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the human heart during and after cardiac surgery.
- To explore the potential role of NO in the pathophysiology of myocardial stunning.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of NO production in human heart tissue samples.
- Assay of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme activity before and after bypass.
- Clinical assessment of myocardial stunning.
Main Results:
- Basal NO production was measured at 126 +/- 42 pmol/min per gram.
- NO production significantly increased to 1430 +/- 330 pmol/min per gram following reperfusion.
- NOS activity increased from 8.0 +/- 1.2 pmol/mg pre-bypass to 26.4 +/- 4.8 pmol/mg post-bypass.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac surgery and reperfusion induce a significant increase in human myocardial NO production.
- Elevated NOS activity correlates with increased NO levels post-reperfusion.
- NO may be implicated in the development of myocardial stunning during cardiac surgery.