The influence of inosine on the size of myocardial ischaemia and myocardial metabolism in the pig*

Abstract

In acute experiments on open chest pigs 15 min occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery were performed, each occlusion followed by 45 min reperfusion. Myocardial ischaemia was defined by epicardial electrogram recorded from the border of the ischaemic area. Myocardial extraction of lactate and glucose as well as the extraction of FFA were measured before and at the 15th min of occlusion. Inosine (5 mg/kg/min) or 0.9% NaCl infusion was administered i.v. throughout the occlusion period. Inosine significantly diminished the number of ischaemic points and reduced an increase in R-wave voltage induced by coronary occlusion. Myocardial extraction of measured substrates was not significantly influenced by inosine administration. In conclusion, inosine decreases the area of ischaemic injury induced by acute coronary occlusion in the pig.

Inosine Inhibits Inflammatory Cytokine Production by a Posttranscriptional Mechanism and Protects Against Endotoxin-Induced Shock

“…For example, it prevents glial cell death during glucose deprivation (36,37), decreases the release of intracellular enzymes from hypoxic lymphocytes (38), improves renal function during ischemia (39,40), and removes the harmful effects of total hepatic ischemia (41). Inosine administration has also been shown to improve myocardial function during acute left ventricular failure (42,43) and decrease infarct size after coronary occlusion (44,45). Despite the accumulating evidence of inosine's protective effects, there is little information on the mode(s) of action of this metabolite in inflammatory/ischemic processes.…”