Improving myocardial protection with high-dose insulin
Yu, Z.H.; Cong, L.K.; Li, W.C.; Tan, B.B.
Chinese Medical Journal 101(8): 571-578
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 3148397 Document Number: 317638
The protective effect of preoperative high-dose insulin on ischemic myocardium was studied in dogs. Histochemical reaction, ultrastructure and water content of the heart muscle, hemodynamic condition before and after restoration of the circulation were observed. Dogs were divided into two groups and 5 mEq/L potassium cardioplegic solution was infused. In the insulin group, insulin 10 U/kg/h, glucose 1 g/kg/h and potassium chloride 0.25 mEq/kg/h were infused from the onset of anesthesia till aortic cross-clamping. The control group received the same infusion but without insulin. All parameters suggested moderate damage of heart muscle after 90 minutes of ischemia in insulin group, which recovered to the preischemic level completely 30 minutes after restoration of circulation, while in the control group, the ischemic damage was severe after 90 minutes of cross-clamping, with delayed recovery even after 30 minutes of reperfusion of the heart. The difference between the two groups was statistically highly significant. The experiment indicates that myocardial protection is improved with high-dose insulin.