The hydrophilic spin trap, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide, does not protect the rat heart from reperfusion injury

The role and site of free radical generation in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury were investigated using the hydrophilic spin trapping agent, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide (DMPO). DMPO (40 mM) proved ineffective in preserving the contractile performance and energy metabolism of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts following ischemia and reperfusion. This result, which is in contrast with the cardioprotection observed with hydrophobic spin traps, suggests that free radicals are generated intracellularly under these conditions.