The combined effect of glutamic acid (15 mM) and phosphocreatine (10 mM) on metabolism and postischemic recovery of cardiac function was studied in isolated perfused working guinea pig hearts. Addition of these two agents into standard hyperpotassium cardioplegic solution increased twice the recovery of the aortic output and improved restoration of volume work and an index of functional recovery. This effect was combined with the complete recovery of ATP, phosphocreatine, the decrease in ammonia and lactate tissue contents and preservation of amino acid pool. Lesser leakage of creatine and creatine kinase pointed to lesser damage of the sarcolemma. The results show the effectiveness of the use of cardioplegic solution containing both glutamic acid and phosphocreatine.