Lipid peroxidation and blood plasma chemiluminescence during artificial circulation

: Removal of the clamp from the aorta is the most hazardous stage from the viewpoint of free-radical injury, for at this moment the myocardium, weak from ischemia, is exposed to blood containing oxygen in excess and toxic products of lipid peroxidation. This was demonstrated by chemiluminescence (CL) and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) measurements. Accumulation of intracellular antioxidants in the blood may have a protective adaptive significance aimed at suppression of the toxic effects of oxygen radicals. CL results are in good correlation with MDA measurements, this making CL fit for rapid assessment of the adequacy of artificial circulation and the possibility of reperfusion injury to the myocardium.