Experimental study on how brain-dead state affects the heart structure and function of Ba-Ma mini pigs and the mechanism

AIM:To investigate how brain-dead state affects the heart structure and function and the effect of PKC-α in BA-Ma mini pigs.METHODS:Ten Ba-Ma mini pigs were randomized into 2 groups: brain-dead group (n=5),and control group (n=5). The brain-dead model was made by increasing intracranial pressure,while the control group was maintained anesthesia for 24 h. The concentrations of cTnT,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were determined at 6,12 and 24 h after brain death. At 24 h,heart tissues were observed by HE staining and electron microscope. The expression of PKC-α was detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.RESULTS:(1) Histological changes of myocardium: flaky bleeding under endocardium and dissolution of myocardium were found in optical microscope. In electron microscope dropsical mitochondria and confluent muscle fiber were found. (2) Changes of serum cTnT: serum cTnT for brain-dead group began to increase gradually since 6 h,and were significantly higher at each time point than those in control group (P<0.05). (3) Changes of inflammatory factors: IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in brain-dead group began to increase gradually since 6 h,and were significantly higher at each time point than those in control group (P<0.05). (4) Changes of PKC-α expression: PKC-α mRNA and protein expressions in brain-dead group increased significantly at 24 h (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Brain death may evoke heart structure and functional injury,and increase the levels of inflammatory factors and PKC-α. The activation of PKC-α may participate in the process of heart injury.