ILOPROST ADDED TO THE CARDIOPLEGIC SOLUTIONS IMPROVES MYOCARDIAL PERFORMANCE

A total of 12 mongrel dogs were divided into two equal groups. Six ani mals received Iloprost and the other 6 animals did not receive any add itional treatment. In the Iloprost group, Iloprost was added to the ca rdioplegic solution (25 ng). Also, Iloprost was used (10 ng/kg/min.) 5 min. before and after cross-clamping. All cardiac output and biochemi cal measurements were evaluated before cross-clamp and 15 min., 1 h, a nd 4 h after cross-clamp. The measured dp/dt shows that the hearts tre ated with Iloprost preserved left ventricular function. Comparison of contractility indices between the groups revealed that contractile rec overy was 59% in the control group and 71% in the Iloprost group (p < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) proportional to level was significa ntly elevated in the control group (p < 0.001). Its level was 22.2 +/- 2.2 pg/mL in the control group and 13.8 +/- 1.0 pg/mL in the Iloprost group. E- and P-selectin levels were elevated in the control group (p < 0.001). ICAM-1 level was also elevated in the conrol group. ICAM-1 level was 17.7 +/- 1.8 ng/mL in the control group and 8.5 +/- 1.8 ng/m L in the Iloprost group. The Iloprost that was added to the cardiopleg ic solution and low dose administration during the pre- and post-ische mic period inhibits the toxic mediator release from endothelium-leukoc yte interaction and reduces the severity of ischemia-reperfusion injur y.