Ion transport and energetics during cell death and protection

During ischemia, ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) decline, whereas intracellular hydrogen ion, intracellular sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations all rise. If the ischemia is relatively short and there is little irreversible injury (cell death), PCr, pH, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ all recovery quickly on reperfusion. ATP recovery can take up to 24 h because of loss of adenine base from the cell and the need for de novo synthesis. There are correlative data showing that a sustained rise in Ca2+ during ischemia and/or lack of recovery during reperfusion is associated with irreversible cell injury. Interventions that reduce the rise in Ca2+ during ischemia and reperfusion have been shown to reduce cell death. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the rise in Ca2+ during ischemia and early reperfusion could have important therapeutic implications. This review will discuss mechanisms involved in alterations in ions and high energy phosphate metabolites in perfused or intact heart during ischemia and reperfusion.