Cardioprotective effects of heparin or N-acetylheparin in an in vivo model of myocardial ischaemic and reperfusion injury

Abstract

The glycosaminoglycans, heparin or N-acetylheparin, can reduce the extent of myocardial injury associated with regional ischaemia and reperfusion in the canine heart. The mechanism of cytoprotection is unrelated to alterations in the coagulation cascade and may involve inhibition of complement activation in response to tissue injury.