RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUNCTION AND METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF HEART IN SITES

The results of the studies indicate that oxidative processes of the hypothermic myocardium shifts toward utilization exclusively of non-esterified fatty acids after 24 hours. This shift in metabolism appears to be associated with a rise in myocardial internal efficiency and a fall in external efficiency. These changes represent what might be considered a disturbance in energy production. Energy production in heart muscle as well as skeletal muscle involves the oxidation of food stuff to carbon dioxide and water. The primary substrates, glucose, lactate, pyruvate and non-esterified fatty acids are passed through a series of intermediary reactions during which energy is liberated and subsequently utilized to perform mechanical work. This energy is derived through the oxidation processes within the Krebs' Cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, the final common pathways for oxidation of all food stuffs. (Author)