The role of ATP-MgCl2 in ischemia-reperfusion and sepsis

The previously reported multiple beneficial effects of ATP-MgCl2 were tested in two clinically relevant large animal models. We observed mainly cardiovascular effects of ATP-MgCl2 likely related to purinergic receptors stimulation. Adding ATP and its metabolite adenosine to ex vivo LPS stimulated whole human blood cultures and measuring cytokine secretion we have further tested whether modulation of inflammation might be responsible for some of the ATP-MgCl2 effects. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Infusing ATP-MgCl2 intravenously in a porcine I-R injury model of thoracic aortic cross clamping provides better cardiovascular stability compared to currently used standard agent sodium nitroprusside. Although ATP-MgCl2 led to reduced gut lactate release we could not demonstrate any beneficial effects on numerous markers of reperfusion injury. Moreover the combination of sodium nitroprusside with esmolol provided hemodynamic control superior to ATP-MgCl2. 2. In long term hyperdynamic porcine model of sepsis ATP-MgCl2 increased portal venous blood flow, reduced ileal mucosal-arterial pCO2 gap and preserved hepatic arterial buffer response as well as metabolic coupling between lactate release from the gut and its utilization by the liver. Despite the beneficial effects of ATP-MgCl2 on hepatosplanchnic..