The Effect of Glucose Infusion on Myocardial Performance during Acute Hypoxia

Abstract

The effects of hypoxia with or without glucose infusion on the cardiac contractility, blood pressure, ECG, blood electrolytes (Na and K), glucose, pH, PO2 [partial O2 pressure] and PCO2 [partial CO2 pressure] in anesthetized dogs were studied. Hypoxia was induced by ventilating the dogs with reduced O2 (10%) in the inspired air. Hypoxia produced a decrease in the cardiac contractility and blood pressure, and an increase in the heart rate and central venous pressure. It produced a decrease in the blood pH, PO2 and PCO2, and an increase in the blood glucose and K. Glucose infusion during hypoxia delayed the rate of decrease in the contractility and blood pressure significantly. The time for decrease in the contractility to 45 to 50% was increased by 67%. Glucose infusion prevented the loss of K from the cell. Glucose infusion was unable to correct acidosis. Glucose infusion during hypoxia might prevent or delay the deterioration of myocardial function.