Differential role of Pim-1 kinase in anesthetic-induced and ischemic preconditioning against myocardial infarction.

Background: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and anesthetic-induced preconditioning against myocardial infarction are mediated via protein kinase B. Pim-1 kinase acts downstream of protein kinase B and was recently shown to regulate cardiomyocyte survival. The authors tested the hypothesis that IPC and anesthetic-induced preconditioning are mediated by Pim-1 kinase.

Desflurane-induced cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury depends on timing.

Objectives: The authors tested the hypothesis that desflurane-induced cardioprotection depends on the timing of application and whether desflurane-induced postconditioning is mediated by nitric oxide.

Design: A prospective randomized vehicle-controlled study.

Setting: A university research laboratory.