Effect of nitric oxide synthase modulation on resuscitation success in a swine ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest model.

Background: We have demonstrated previously that the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) decreases free radical generation and nitrosative injury via peroxynitrite formation after epicardial dc shocks.

Objective: Our purpose was to explore the effects of NOS inhibition and NOS donation on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) success after cardiac arrest of variable duration. We used the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NNA and the selective neuronal NOS inhibitor ARR-17477, the NOS donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and the vasodilator Enalaprilat, which lowers arterial pressure via a non-NO mechanism.

Effect of hypothermia on transthoracic defibrillation in a swine model.

Background: Induced hypothermia (H) appears a promising intervention to protect the heart and brain after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. However, the influence of H on transthoracic defibrillation energy requirements is not well documented.

Methods: In 39 swine (21.