Characterization of "hibernating" and "stunned" myocardium with focus on the use of calcium antagonists in "stunned" myocardium.

In the initial seconds after a sudden reduction in coronary blood flow, a temporary mismatch between myocardial energy demand and supply exists. The mechanisms underlying the rapidly ensuing reduction in contractile function in the ischemic myocardium are still unknown. In the presence of some residual blood flow, a state of "perfusion-contraction matching" develops. The metabolic status of such hypoperfused myocardium improves, since myocardial lactate production is attenuated and creatine phosphate (CP), after an initial reduction, returns toward control values. The hypoperfused myocardium responds to inotropic stimulation by dobutamine. The recruitment of an inotropic reserve implies increased energy utilization. During inotropic stimulation, after partial normalization, lactate production is again increased, and CP is decreased again. Thus, a supply-demand imbalance that had been at least partially corrected by the ischemia-induced decrease in regional contractile function is precipitated again. A situation of chronic contractile failure in viable myocardium that normalizes upon reperfusion has been termed myocardial "hibernation." Myocardial "stunning" is characterized by a reversible postischemic contractile dysfunction despite full restoration of blood flow. The details of the underlying mechanisms are not clear. An inadequate energy supply and impaired sympathetic neurotransmission have been excluded. Potential mechanisms, which are not mutually exclusive, may include (a) damage of membranes by free radicals, (b) an increase in free cytosolic calcium during ischemia and reperfusion, and (c) a decrease in the calcium sensitivity of the myofibrils. The equally pronounced increases in regional contractility in normal and "stunned" myocardium during postextrasystolic potentiation and the infusion of calcium or the calcium-sensitizing agent AR-L-57, however, suggest an unchanged calcium sensitivity of reperfused myocardium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)