Global ischemia in the immature canine ventricle. Enhanced protective effect of verapamil and potassium.

The efficacy of the addition of verapamil to a cardioplegic solution was evaluated in immature canine hearts subjected to normothermic global ischemia. Two groups of mongrel puppies less than 10 weeks old were subjected to 30 minutes of global myocardial ischemia while on cardiopulmonary bypass. One group (Group K) was arrested with cardioplegic solution containing 20 mEq/L of KCl; the other group (Group K + V) was arrested with the same solution containing 0.2 mg/kg of verapamil. Ultrasonic crystals were placed for measurement of left ventricular dimensions, and micromanometers measured left ventricular pressures. Functional measurements included left ventricular strain, first derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt), and the end-systolic pressure/volume ratio (Emax). Metabolic recovery was assessed by measuring myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Ninety minutes following ischemia, Group K + V exhibited greater minor axis strain at a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 15 and 20 mm Hg (p less than 0.05), greater dP/dt (p less than 0.05 to 0.001), and greater Emax (p less than 0.05) than Group K. ATP content in Group K + V was greater at 60 minutes (Group K + V: 12.74 +/- 1.60 mumol/gm; Group K: 8.39 +/- 1.30, p less than 0.05) and 90 minutes (Group K + V: 10.34 +/- 0.46; Group K: 7.55 +/- 1.42, p less than 0.05) after ischemia. The addition of verapamil to a cardioplegic solution containing potassium enhances the recovery of function and high-energy phosphate stores in the immature myocardium following normothermic global ischemia.