Creatine phosphate administration in cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats: focus on differences between preconditioning, perconditioning, and postconditioning protocols

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the influence of preconditioning, perconditioning, and postconditioning with creatine phosphate (PCr) on functional recovery and production of prooxidants in isolated rat hearts subjected to ex vivo ischemic–reperfusion (I–R) injury on a Langendorff apparatus. Wistar albino rats (male, n = 40) were divided into four groups: control and groups in which PCr (0.5 mmol/L, 5 min) was perfused before (Pre group), after (Post group), or during (Per group) ex vivo induced ischemia. PCr application was associated with the great benefits of preserving cardiac contractility (in Pre group 100.96% for +(dP/dt max) and 97.61% for −(dP/dt max), in Per group 96.72% for +(dP/dt max) and 95.60% for −(dP/dt max), and in Post group 143.84% for +(dP/dt max) and 104.36% for −(dP/dt max) in relation to the stabilization). In addition, PCr application prevented the increase in prooxidative markers during I–R injury in all therapeutic modalities. The most intensive benefits in the current investigation were observed when PCr was applied during the period of ischemia because the lowest fluctuations in the parameters of cardiac function and oxidative stress were observed. Overall, the results of this study highlight PCr-induced cardioprotection with promising prospects for future clinical use.