Effect of Iloprost, a Prostacyclin Analogue, on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

• Published in: The Heart surgery forum Vol. 22; no. 1; p. E027
• Main Authors: Tumer, Naim Boran, Erol, Gokhan, Tekeli Kunt, Atike, Doganci, Suat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 30.01.2019
• ISSN: 1522-6662
• DOI: 10.1532/hsf.2076

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury continues to be observed during open heart surgery. Various experimental models have been developed to overcome this injury and to increase postoperative prognosis. This study was conducted to assess the effect that iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, can have on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We evaluated tissue damage by measuring the levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, and nitric oxide (NO) in tissue and perfusates. In this study, 20 guinea pig hearts were prepared by using the modified Langendorff perfusion apparatus to form control (n = 10) and experimental study groups (n = 10). Following a preischemic period of perfusion and an ischemic period of 20 minutes, control hearts were perfused with Krebs–Henseleit solution. In the experimental group, iloprost (0.45 μg/kg per hour) was included in the perfusates for the last 10 minutes of the preischemic phase. Following cardiac stabilization, heart rate (pulse/min), contractility (mm), and aortic pressure (mmHg) values were recorded at the end of preischemia, postischemia, and reperfusion. Perfusate and tissue analyses for glutathione, MDA, and NO levels were made in each group at the end of experiments. Iloprost was found to have protective effects against myocardial ischemia by means of increased myocardial contractility, decreased tissue/perfusate glutathione levels and inhibited rise of tissue/perfusate MDA observed in the iloprost-treated experimental group. Future investigations on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury must evaluate iloprost-related mechanisms.