Effect of albumin on the electrophysiologic stability of isolated perfused rabbit hearts
Kates, R.E.; Yee, Y.G.; Hill, I.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 13(1): 168-172
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-2446 PMID: 2468930 Document Number: 338728
The electrophysiologic stability of isolated perfused rabbit hearts was evaluated over a period of 5 h. Hearts perfused with protein-free buffer deteriorated over time, with significant shortening of the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP) and development of ventricular fibrillation. When serum albumin (6.01 .times. 10-4 mM) was added to the perfusate, hearts were more stable, the ventricular ERPs remained relatively constant throughout the 5-h perfusion period, and hearts did not fibrillate. When a fatty acid-free protein source was used, the hearts demonstrated similar stability to those perfused with protein containing fatty acids. Despite marked changes in the refractory periods of hearts perfused with protein-free buffer, the QRS interval did not change over time, indicating that this is a very insensitive parameter for monitoring the electrophysiologic stability of isolated perfused hearts. In studies utilizing isolated hearts to evaluate antiarrhythmic drug effects, it is preferable to use a protein-containing buffer.