The effect of selenium added cardioplegia in guinea pigs

1. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selenium added cardioplegic solutions on postischemic myocardial recovery. 2. The hearts were mounted on Langendorf perfusion apparatus and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution. The hearts were arrested by one of the following cardioplegic solutions; (a) K+ 20 mmol/l (control group); (b) K+ 20 mmol/l+selenium 10(-3) mol/l (experimental group). After 20 min of normothermic ischemia the hearts were reperfused by the same buffer. 3. Postischemic percentage changes of heart rate, contractile force and heart work were compared between the groups. 4. Addition of selenium to the cardioplegic solution significantly decreased the postischemic myocardial injury.