Abstract 10770: Curcumin Mitigates the Severity of Post-Resuscitation Myocardial Dysfunction Caused by Epinephrine in a Rat Cardiac Arrest Model

Introduction: Epinephrine significantly increases the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction (PRMD) and reduces the duration of survival. The cardioprotective effect of curcumin against catecholamine-induced cardiotoxicity has been established. In the present study, we investigated the effects of curcumin on PRMD caused by epinephrine in a rat model of cardiac arrest. Hypothesis: Curcumin reduces the severity of PRMD caused by epinephrine. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 450-550g were randomized into three groups: 1) Placebo group; 2) Epinephrine (20ug/kg) group; 3) Curcumin (100 mg/kg) pretreatment + epinephrine (20ug/kg) group. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was then induced. After 8 mins of VF, CPR was initiated for 8 mins, and defibrillation was then attempted. Myocardial function was measured by echocardiography at baseline and hourly for 4 hours following successful resuscitation. Results: All animals except for two in the placebo group were resuscitated. Post-resuscitation myocardial function was significantly impaired in all animals. Significantly worse myocardial function was observed in the Epinephrine group in comparison with the two other groups (Figure). However, myocardial function was significantly better in the animals treated with curcumin when compared with those in the two other groups (Figure). Conclusion: In a rat cardiac arrest model, curcumin reduced the severity of PRMD caused by epinephrine.