THE EFFECT OF ILOPROST ON PEROXIDATION IN DOG ISCHEMIC MYOCARDIUM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Iloprost (Scher ing AG), a stable prostacyclin analogue, on the intensity of thiobarbi turic acid-reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated diene and hydropero xide production in ischaemic dog myocardium. Adult male mongrel dogs w ere divided into groups as follows: A = sham/operated group, B = contr ol animals, and C = Iloprost-supplemented group. The drug was administ ered as a single intravenous bolus at a dose of 10 mu g/kg. Partial he art ischaemia was induced by occlusion of the left descending coronary artery. After 3 h ischaemia the dogs were killed, their hearts were r emoved and the levels of the above-mentioned peroxidation products wer e assayed. The concentrations of TBARS, conjugated dienes and hydroper oxides were significantly increased not only in the ischaemic region, but also in the border zone and in the ''normally'' perfused region of the heart. A considerable decrease of these products was observed in the Iloprost-treated group. A direct effect of Iloprost on the heart c ell membranes is postulated.