A loss of taurine and other amino acids from ventricles of patients undergoing bypass surgery.

Abstract

The loss of alpha amino acids (by contrast with the loss of taurine) will depress protein synthesis and reduce energy reserves after cardiac surgery. Attempts to preserve the concentrations of intracellular alpha amino acids must be balanced against the need to regulate intracellular Na concentration and hence intracellular pH and calcium ions. The presence of alpha amino acids in the cardioplegic solution (or in a resuscitation solution) should maintain the intracellular concentrations and favour activation of the taurine/Na symport to oppose the rise in intracellular Na concentration. Because the reservoir of tissue taurine is limited, the potential benefits of increasing the concentration of taurine in the heart by diet before surgery and addition of alpha amino acids to the cardioplegic solution merits further assessment.