Development of a novel biomarker of free radical damage in reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest

In a porcine model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), we investigated changes in the plasma levels of 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha), a marker for oxidative injury, and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2 alpha), an inflammatory response indicator during the postresuscitation period after cardiac arrest, Twelve piglets were subjected to either 2 or 5 min (VF2 and VF5 group) of ventricular fibrillation (VF) followed by 5 min of closed-chest CPR. Six piglets without cardiac arrest were used as controls. In VF5 group, 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha), in the jugular bulb plasma (draining the brain) increased four-fold. Jugular bulb 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha), in the control group remained unchanged. The 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2 alpha), also increased four-fold in the VF5 group. Thus, 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha), and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2 alpha), measurements in jugular bulb plasma may be used as biomarkers for quantification of free radical catalyzed oxidative brain injury and inflammatory response in reperfusion injury. (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.