Controlled reperfusion after hypothermic heart preservation inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition-pore opening and enhances functional recovery.

We investigated whether low-pressure reperfusion may attenuate postischemic contractile dysfunction, limits necrosis and apoptosis after a prolonged hypothermic ischemia, and inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition-pore (MPTP) opening. Isolated rats hearts ( n = 72) were exposed to 8 h of cold ischemia and assigned to the following groups: 1) reperfusion with low pressure (LP = 70 cmH2O) and 2) reperfusion with normal pressure (NP = 100 cmH2O). Cardiac function was assessed during reperfusion using the Langendorff model. Mitochondria were isolated, and the Ca2+resistance capacity (CRC) of the MPTP was determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) production, caspase-3 activity, and cytochrome c …