Abstract 140: Effects of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Systemic Inflammation and Post-resuscitation Myocardial Function in a Rat Model of Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction: Massive systemic inflammation is a primary cause of myocardial dysfunction following cardiac arrest (CA) and resuscitation (CPR). We investigated the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) on systemic inflammation and myocardial function after CA and CPR. Hypothesis: Administration of ω-3 PUFA at the start of CPR will alleviate post CPR inflammation and improve cardiac function in a rat model of CA and CPR. Methods: 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 450g-550g were randomized into three groups: Sham, Control, and ω-3 PUFA. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced and untreated for 6 min. 4J defibrillation was attempted after 8 min of CPR. Saline placebo or ω-3 PUFA (5mL/kg) was infused at the start of CPR and continued for 4h. Ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO) and myocardial performance index (MPI) were measured by echocardiography at baseline, 1, 3 and 6h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and cardiac biomarker (cTnI) levels in plasma were detected at baseline and 6 hrs after ROSC. Results: A decrease in EF and CO and an increase in MPI occurred after resuscitation. Significant improvement was noted in ω-3 PUFA compared to control animals (p Conclusion: Administration of ω-3 PUFA attenuates post-resuscitation systemic inflammation and improves myocardial function in a rat model of CA and CPR.