Time-dependent apoptotic development and pro-apoptotic genes expression in rat heart after myocardial infarction

We investigated the apoptotic development and apoptotic-related gene expression after myocardial infarction (MI) at different time points in the current study. Bax gene expression was increased at 12 h after MI and peaked at 24 h. Fas gene started to over-express at 12 h after MI as well but it reached maximum at 72 h. In the MI groups, strongest staining of apoptosis was detected in rats 3 days post operation. Our results demonstrate that apoptotic development after MI is time dependent in the ischemic area and there could be some linkage with the over expression of angiotensin II receptors post MI.