Marked reduction in myocardial infarct size due to prolonged infusion of an antioxidant during reperfusion.

Abstract

After 90 minutes of coronary ligation, infusion of the diffusible hydrogen peroxide scavenger, MPG, for several hours, beginning as late as 30 minutes after the onset of reperfusion, substantially reduced infarct size measured 48 hours later. In this model, necrosis caused by processes during reperfusion may be more extensive than necrosis caused by ischemia alone. Since infusion of this agent for only the first hour of reperfusion was considerably less effective, it appears that most of the oxidant injury leading to necrosis occurred after the first 60 minutes but within the first 4 hours of reperfusion.