Gap Junction Uncoupler Heptanol Prevents Cell-to-Cell Progression of Hypercontracture and Limits Necrosis During Myocardial Reperfusion

Abstract

These results demonstrate that hypercontracture may be transmitted to adjacent myocytes through gap junctions and that heptanol may interfere with this transmission and reduce the final extent of myocardial necrosis during reoxygenation or reperfusion. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis tested and open a new approach to limitation of infarct size by pharmacological control of gap junction conductance.