Met-enkephalin levels during PTCA-induced myocardial ischemia

Met-enkephalin (Met-enk) has been demonstrated to modulate myocardial-ische mia mechanisms via the opioid receptors, but no studies are now available o n Met-enk levels in the coronary circulation. In this experience Met-enk le vels were evaluated in aortic root and in coronary sinus at baseline (TO), during PTCA induced transient ischemia (T1) and during reperfusion (T2). No significant differences: were found at any time. Thus, it appears that the re is no Met-enk extraction from the coronary circulation during provoked m yocardial ischemia and no Met-enk release from the ischemic heart. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.