Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Nov 1993
Comparative StudyMechanisms causing coronary microvascular dysfunction following crystalloid cardioplegia and reperfusion.
The aim was to examine the mechanisms of coronary microvascular dysfunction during cardiopulmonary bypass and ischaemic arrest using a crystalloid cardioplegic solution. ⋯ Ischaemic cardioplegia-reperfusion induced endothelium dependent and direct smooth muscle microvascular dysfunction is at least partially mediated by prolonged exposure of vessels to hyperkalaemia and to the generation of oxygen derived free radicals. Leucocytes probably mediate injury during reperfusion, while hypothermia has minimal effect on recovery of vasomotor function.