Our aim was to investigate whether the addition of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a source of nitric oxide, and/or cariporide, a Na/H exchange inhibitor, to a commercial preservation solution (Celsior) improved and extended cardiac preservation. After baseline indices of cardiac function (aortic flow, coronary flow, heart rate, cardiac output) were measured in an isolated working rat heart model, hearts were arrested and stored at 2-3 degrees C for 6 or 10 h in Celsior solution alone, Celsior supplemented with either 0.1 mg/mL GTN or 10 microM cariporide or both. After storage, functional measurements were repeated and recovery of each parameter was expressed as a percentage of its pre-storage baseline. After 6 h storage, recovery of cardiac function was significantly better in hearts stored in GTN- or cariporide-supplemented Celsior solution compared with Celsior solution alone. The beneficial effect of GTN was significantly abrogated in hearts perfused with glibenclamide prior to storage. Significant recovery of cardiac function after 10 h storage was only observed in hearts stored in Celsior solution supplemented with both GTN and cariporide. Combined supplementation with GTN and cariporide extends the safe period of storage of the rat heart and may be a useful approach to enhancing preservation of the donor heart.