[Effect of inosine on the course of experimental myocardial infarct]

On a model of experimental myocardial infarction produced through ligation of the anterior descending branch of the coronary artery it is shown that inosine is capable of raising the activity of a number of respiratory enzymes, chiefly in the extra-infarction sectors of the myocardium, as well as in the perinecrotic areas and in intact muscular elements within the necrotic zone. It also helps accelerate the formation of the post-infarction scar. Under the effect of inosine the integrity and functional activity of the mitochondria are improved, the noradrenaline concentration in the myocardium is normalized more rapidly, the processes of the myocardial hypertrophy develop successfully and the contractility of the heart muscle increases. Investigations were conducted on 108 rabbits and they included histological, histochemical, electron-microscopic, biochemical methods, as well as electrocardiography and determination of intracardiac hemodynamics.