The Contractility of Isolated Rat Atrial Tissue during Hypoxia is Better Preserved in a High- or Zero-Glucose Environment than in a Normal Glucose Environment.

Aim: Hyperglycemia is known to be associated with an increase in mortality in myocardial infarction and intensive care patients despite the fact that glucose metabolism plays a central role in myocardial protection. We studied the effect of different glucose levels (22 mM L(-1); 5.5 mM L(-1); and 0 mM L(-1)) on the contractile reserve of isolated rat atrial myocardium during and after hypoxia.