Cardiotonic effects of reduced sulfhydryl amines after preservation of rabbit hearts

This investigation was designed to examine the role of glutathione and other reduced sulfhydryl amines during reperfusion of the ischemic rabbit heart. To identify the biochemical features of reduced sulfhydryl amines contributing toward improved myocardial function, we investigated several chemical agents sharing a common property with glutathione (L-leucine, L-glycine, ascorbate, oxidized glutathione, L-cysteine). After a period of 24-hour hypothermic storage of the rabbit heart in a modified University of Wisconsin solution containing polyethylene glycol, the hearts were functionally evaluated on a Langendorff working heart model. The agents were then injected as a bolus (60 mumol/L) during reperfusion, and coronary flow and aortic output were measured. Control hearts were untreated. Reduced sulfhydryl amines (glutathione, L-cysteine) significantly improved coronary flow (p < 0.005) and cardiac output (p < 0.005). Ascorbate, L-leucine, L-glycine, and oxidized glutathione all failed to influence cardiac function.