American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons
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Cardiac complications stemming from intra-cranial hypertension may result from impaired intra-cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dantrolene, a blocker of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release, on myocardial dysfunction associated with intra-cranial hypertension in rats. Dantrolene (10 mg) with and without 15% mannitol was administered to halothane-anesthetized rats prior to induction of intra-cranial hypertension by subdural balloon inflation. ⋯ In conclusion, 15% mannitol attenuated the cardiopulmonary complications associated with intra-cranial hypertension. Dantrolene without mannitol was without effect. Since mannitol exhibits free radical scavenging properties, protection could be the result of a decrease in oxidative stress after intra-cranial hypertension.