Rompun 2 solution

All experiments were performed according to the United Kingdom Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act of 1986, and local ethical approval (AWERC211701EW). Male New Zealand White Rabbits (2.5–3.0 kg, N = 12) were euthanised by a subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg Ketamine (Ketavet, Zoetis) and 3 mg/kg Xylazine (Rompun 2% solution, Bayer), followed by an intravenous injection of 200 mg/mL Pentobarbitone (Pentoject, Animalcare). Hearts were quickly excised, cannulated at the aorta and perfused with ice-cold cardioplegic solution, containing (in mM); Glucose 277.5, KCl 30, NaHCO₃ 25, Mannitol 34.3 with 5 U/mL Heparin, (pH 7.4) until the coronary circulation had cleared. Hearts were weighed then transferred to a Langendorff perfusion system where Tyrode solution containing (in mM); NaCl 130, NaHCO₃ 24, NaH₂PO₄ 1.2, MgCl₂ 1, Glucose 5.6, KCl 4, CaCl₂ 1.8, oxygenated with 95% O₂ and 5% CO₂ to maintain a pH 7.4, was perfused at 38°C at a rate of 20 mL/min. All chemicals were purchased from Sigma.