Free radicals in hypothermic rat heart preservation--prevention of damage by mannitol and desferrioxamine.

The free radical mediated oxidation of proteins in stored hypothermic rat hearts has been investigated by the estimation of fluorescence (Ex 360, Em 440-460 nm) believed to result from the oxidation of tryptophan residues. Damage occurring during ischaemia results in the release of oxidised proteins. This damage is significantly attenuated by mannitol and desferrioxamine although the mechanism of action of the two compounds may be different.