Figure 6.
Graphs showing improved recovery of function in hearts immersed in KH+N2 compared to hearts immersed in KH+O2 during the normothermic ischemic period. Graph representing the mean values of the rate pressure product (RPP) (A), of dP/dt max (B) and -dP/dt min (C) in hearts suspended in air, immersed in KH+N2, or immersed in KH+O2 during the ischemic period, and followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Note that the cardiac function recovery parameters were much greater in the groups of hearts suspended in air than in hearts immersed in KH+O2 during the ischemic period. Recovery of heart function was significantly improved when hearts were immersed in KH+N2 compared to hearts immersed in KH+O2. Values are expressed as mean ± SEM; *P<0.05 hearts immersed in KH+O2 versus hearts maintained in air during ischemia; +P<0.05 hearts immersed in KH+O2 versus hearts immersed in KH+N2 during ischemia (n = 5-10/group).