[Superoxide dismutase inhibition as a prerequisite for disordered myocardial function under oxygen loading].

Changes in the contractility of rabbit myocardium following administration of diethyl dithiocarbamate were studied to determine the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cardiac support function. It was observed that in healthy rabbits, a 50% decrease in the left ventricle SOD level induced by the inhibitor was not followed by any considerable disturbances in myocardial contractility as determined without additional stimulation and load. HBO sessions caused appreciable disorders in heart contractility which could be partly prevented by SOD administration. In rabbits with adrenaline-induced heart lesions, depression of myocardial contractility induced by the inhibitor alone or in combination with intensive oxygenation was also observed.