Dysfunction induced by ischemia versus edema: Does edema matter?

Abstract

Objectives: Recovery from pediatric cardiac surgery is affected by ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac edema, and in some cases a low cardiac output syndrome. Although association has been made between the development of edema and dysfunction, modeling is confounded by intercurrent injurious stimuli that also cause cardiac edema and dysfunction. We tested whether a true causal relationship exists between edema and cardiac dysfunction. Methods: We induced either ischemia or edema alone in isolated cardiomyocytes and whole Langendorff-perfused hearts. Function was measured as shortening dynamics and developed pressure, respectively. Results: Ischemic injury impaired function in both cardiomyo..