POSTISCHEMIC HEMODYNAMIC-CHANGES AFTER PIROXIMONE ADMINISTRATION IN ISOLATED RABBIT HEART

In an experimental study on 22 adult Elco rabbits, hemodynamic paramet ers were investigated using a working heart model. The study group (10 rabbit hearts) received 1 mg/kg i.v. of the phosphodiesterase inhibit or piroximone 15 min before thoracotomy. 12 untreated rabbit hearts se rved as a control group. Hemodynamic parameters were measured before a nd after 60 min of hypothermic ischemia. The preischemic period showed no significant differences between the two groups, except the higher levels of coronary flow in the piroximone group. The postischemic peri od showed significant increases in heart rate, coronary flow, aortic f low and cardiac output in the piroximone group in comparison to the co ntrol group. These results indicate as a main effect the positive infl uence of piroximone on coronary flow, given as a single shot 15 min pr eoperatively. This study provides evidence of the vasodilative propert ies on the coronary arteries beside the documented effects on the peri phery. Therefore, piroximone represents an alternative tool in weaning from the cardiopulmonary bypass.