Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology
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J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. · Dec 1988
Protective effect of a prostacyclin-mimetic on the ischaemic-reperfused rabbit myocardium.
To assess whether the administration of the stable prostacyclin-mimetic ZK 36374 (iloprost) protects the myocardium in a dose-dependent manner against ischaemia and reperfusion, isolated rabbit hearts were infused with three different concentrations of iloprost: 2.7, 27 and 270 nM. Diastolic and developed pressures were monitored; coronary effluent was collected and assayed for creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity and for noradrenaline concentration; mitochondria were harvested and assayed for respiratory activity; ATP production and calcium content and tissue concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) were determined. Treatment with iloprost altered neither developed pressure under normoxic conditions nor the rate and extent of depletion of ATP and CP during ischaemia. ⋯ It is concluded that iloprost infusion provides a dose-dependent protection of the heart against some of the deleterious effects of ischaemia and reperfusion and, in particular, prevents mitochondrial calcium overload and maintains mitochondrial function. Because this protection occurred in the absence of negative inotropic effect during normoxia or of a coronary dilatory effect during ischaemia, it cannot be attributed to an energy sparing effect or to improvement of oxygen delivery. Therefore, alternative mechanisms of action are to be considered.