CHANGES OF THE CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM OF THE HEART FOLLOWING CORONARY OCCLUSION

Abstract

In 34 dogs observed during experimental coronary occlusion, the infarcted area lost appreciable quantities of its glycogen which appeared in part as increased amts. of soluble carbohydrates and lactic acid. In most cases the heart removed lactic acid from the blood stream before occlusion, but usually added lactic acid to the blood stream afterward. The increased lactic acid production by the heart was probably due to a diminution of the O2 supplied to the cardiac tissues. Glucose was absorbed from the blood both before and after coronary occlusion. It is suggested that the accumulation of metabolites in the infarcted area may be related to the subjective pain experienced during coronary occlusion.