Abstract 9: Remote Ischemic Pre- and Post-Conditioning Produce Similar Improvement of Myocardial and Cerebral Function in a Rat Model of Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation

Abstract

Introduction: Remote ischemic pre-conditioning (RPC) has been demonstrated to provide powerful protection of the heart and the brain against ischemia reperfusion injury. However, it is not a practical use in the clinical settings of cardiac arrest and resuscitation. We investigated the effects of remote ischemic post-conditioning (RpostC) on post-resuscitation myocardial and cerebral function in a rat model of cardiac arrest. Hypothesis: RpostC is as effective as RPC in reducing post-resuscitation myocardial and cerebral dysfunction in a rat model of cardiac arrest. Methods: Twenty-one male Spague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: 1) RPC, initiated 40 mins before induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF); 2) RpostC, initiated 5 mins after successful resuscitation; 3) Control. Remote ischemic conditioning was induced by four cycles of 5 mins of limb ischemia, followed by 5 mins of reperfusion. VF was induced and untreated for 6 mins while defibrillation was attempted after 8 mins of CPR. The animals were then monitored for 4 hours and observed for an additional 68 hours. Results: Equally improved post-resuscitation myocardial and neurological function were observed in the RPC and the RpostC groups, which were significantly better than the Control group (Table). Conclusion: In a rat model of cardiac arrest and resuscitation, remote ischemic pre- and post-conditioning produced similar improvement of myocardial and cerebral function.