Conclusions
Post-cardiac arrest inhibition of dynamin-related protein 1 improves time to return of spontaneous circulation and myocardial hemodynamics, resulting in improved survival and neurological outcomes in a murine model of cardiac arrest. Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial fission may be a promising therapy for cardiac arrest.
Results
Following resuscitation from cardiac arrest, mitochondrial fission was evidenced by dynamin-related protein 1 translocation to the mitochondrial membrane and a decrease in mitochondrial size. Mitochondrial fission was associated with increased lactate and evidence of oxidative damage. Mdivi-1 administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation inhibited dynamin-related protein 1 activation, preserved mitochondrial morphology, and decreased oxidative damage. Mdivi-1 also reduced the time to return of spontaneous circulation (116 ± 4 vs 143 ± 7 s; p < 0.001) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and enhanced myocardial performance post-return of spontaneous circulation. These improvements were associated with significant increases in survival (65% vs 33%) and improved neurological scores up to 72 hours post cardiac arrest. Conclusions: Post-cardiac arrest inhibition of dynamin-related protein 1 improves time to return of spontaneous circulation and myocardial hemodynamics, resulting in improved survival and neurological outcomes in a murine model of cardiac arrest. Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial fission may be a promising therapy for cardiac arrest.