Enzymatic and nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation capacities and antioxidants in hypoxic and reoxygenated rat myocardium.

The effects of 60 min hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation for 30 min on enzymatic (NADPH-dependent) and nonenzymatic (Fe2+/ascorbate-induced) lipid peroxidation capacities and on antioxidant levels were studied using Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. The assays were done on the myolayer of the right ventricle (RV) and on the subepi- and subendomyolayers of the left ventricle (epi/endo LV) after normoxic, hypoxic, and reoxygenation phases. The region injured by hypoxia/reoxygenation was located mainly in endo LV, seen as a lesser penetration of the fluorescent dye fluorescein in the myocardium. The electron microscopic findings after reoxygenation revealed swelling of the mitochondria, amorphous mitochondrial structures, and formation of paracrystallines. The myofibrillar structure of the cells was disrupted and the cells showed marked fluid accumulation. Membrane structures were marginated and formed blebs and multilamellar bodies. Ultrastructural changes were most prominent in endo LV, especially after reoxygenation. The increase in leakage of lactate in the perfusate revealed the onset of anaerobic metabolism. Abrupt release of the cytoplasmic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase at the beginning of the reoxygenation phase suggested cell membrane injury. The capacity for Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation slightly increased in RV and that for NADPH-dependent, enzymatic lipid peroxidation in endo LV after reoxygenation. Catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities remained unchanged, whereas glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity decreased after reoxygenation in RV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)