Correlation between ICAM-1 and functional recovery of piglet myocardium with leukocyte-depleted reperfusion

Background. Reperfusion injury involves leukocyte-endothelial interaction m ediated by cell adhesion molecules. This study was designed to determine th e time course of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and the functional recovery of myocardium when reperfused with leukocyte deplet ed whole blood. Methods. Sixteen neonatal piglet hearts were harvested and stored with 4 de greesC cold University of Wisconsin Solution (UWS) for 12 hours. An ex vivo model consisting of an isolated working heart perfusion circuit, roller pu mps, and a membrane oxygenator, was used for reperfusion. Atrial tissues we re taken for staining ICAM-1. The stroke work index (SWI) was calculated du ring 4 hours of reperfusion. Two groups (group 1: reperfused with whole blo od, group 2: with leukocyte depleted blood) were compared. Results. The differences of ICAM-1 expression between group 1 and 2 were si gnificant at 3 and 4 hours of reperfusion (p < 0.05). The differences of th e mean stroke work indices were significant at 2, 3, and 4 hours after repe rfusion (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Leukocyte-depleted reperfusion attenuates the expression of IC AM-1 and reduces the time-dependent functional deterioration of the myocard ium. These results suggest that adhesion molecule like ICAM-1 plays a major role in deteriorating myocardial function during the reperfusion, possibly by leukocyte-mediated inflammatory process. (Ann Thorac Surg 2000;70:1531- 5) (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.