Bidirectional Effects of Aminophylline on Myocardial Ischemia

Abstract

Aminophylline had opposite effects on the ischemic myocardium depending on the severity of ischemia. It improved mild ischemia but worsened severe ischemia. The beneficial effect of aminophylline was attributable to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation, which improves endomyocardial flow in the ischemic myocardium. The deleterious effect was attributable to the aminophylline-induced blockade of adenosine receptors.