THE EFFECT OF DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE ON THE CALCIUM PARADOX

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 103  (3) , 390-403
Abstract
Reperfusion of isolated rat hearts with Ca-containing solution after a short period of Ca-free perfusion results in irreversible cell damage (Ca paradox). Experiments were undertaken to study the effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on the occurrence of the Ca paradox in rat heart muscle. DMSO (1.4 mol/l) was added to the Ca-free of the reperfusion medium. Cell damage was quantitated in terms of creatine kinase (CK) release, cardiac electrogram (CEG) changes, and ultrastructural damage. Reperfusion with Ca-containing solution without DMSO after Ca-free perfusion with DMSO resulted in massive release of CK, electrical arrest of the ventricles, and formation of contraction bands. Nearly 100% of the cells displayed the Ca paradox damage. Reperfusion with Ca-containing solution with DMSO after Ca-free perfusion without DMSO resulted in a moderate release of CK, and electrical arrest of the ventricles. The myofibrils remained in a relaxed state. Only 4% of the cells displayed the Ca paradox damage. Probably, DMSO does not protect rat hearts against the effects of Ca-free perfusion that predispose the myocardium to the Ca paradox. The Ca paradox damage is reduced when DMSO is present during the reperfusion phase.