ABSTRACT
To test the hypothesis that the controlled reperfusion of warm blood cardioplegiacontaining mannitol would result in more effectively improved recovery of myocardial function by prevent-ing or reducing a potentially harmful component of reperfusion. Methods: Thirty-two cats were divided in-to four groups. Group Ⅰwas not subjected to ischemia or reperfusion injury. Group Ⅱ was subjected to60 min hypothermic ischemia. Group Ⅲwas subjected to 60 min hypothermic ischemia and 60 min reperfu-sion. Group Ⅳ was controlled reperfusion with warm blood cardioplegia containing mannitol. Results:Myocardial functlon was significantly depressed after 60 min reperfusion- Increased myocardial water con-tent and low ATP c0ntent were observed also. Controlled reperfusion with warm bl0od cardioplegia con-taining mannitol was helpful to improve the recovery of myocardial function and ATP content, and to re-duce the myocardial water content. Conclusion: These results indicate that controlled reperfusion after is-chemia provides benefit in avoiding myocardium from reperfusion injury.