[Pathogenic factors of postischemic ventricular dysfunction and effects of magnesium]

To investigate the mechanism of myocardial; tunning, a Langendorff model of rat hearts (n = 18) underwent 15 min ischemia with coronary flow at 0.2 ml/min and 10 min reperfusion with Ringer's solution of 1.06 mmol/L Mg2+. Histological exam revealed no myocardial necrosis. However, the recovery of pressure product (RPP) was only 77% compared with control period. The myocardial Ca2+ content and water content were significantly increased (P < 0.01, vs control hearts). Pretreatment with high concentration of Mg2+ (2.4 mmol/L) improved the recovery of postischemic ventricular function, attenuated the Ca2+ overload and myocardial edema. The results indicated that a brief period of low-flow ischemia could produce a postischemic ventricular dysfunction-the myocardial stunning. Calcium overload and myocardial edema might be two pathogenic factors. An increased Mg2+ had a protective effects on postischemic ventricular dysfunction, which may involve the following mechanisms: reduced Ca2+ overload and attenuated myocardial edema.