OBJECTIVETo assess the alterations in myocardial energy metabolism and lipid peroxidation during canine cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and to investigate the interventional effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) pretreatment.

METHODSTwelve adult healthy dogs undergoing CPB were randomized into control group (Group C, n=6) and PDTC group(Group P, n=6). In Group P, 30 mg/kg PDTC was administered intravenously before CPB and in Group C animals were given physiological saline instead of PDTC. The contents of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde (MDA) and mitochondrial swelling degree (MSD) of myocardium were determined before CPB, 60 min after aortic cross-clamping (AC) and 60 min after declamping (DC). Hemodynamics was monitored before CPB, 30 min and 60 min after DC.

RESULTContents of ATP, SOD and GSH-PX in Group P at 60 min after AC and 60 min after DC were higher than those in Group C (P<0.01). MDA and MSD in Group P at 60 min after AC and 60 min after DC were significantly lower than those in Group C (P<0.01). Hemodynamics of Group P was recovered at 30 min and 60 min after DC.

CONCLUSIONPretreatment with PDTC is effective in improving antioxidation capacity of myocardium and ameliorates myocardial energy metabolism.