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Effects of statins on myocardial and coronary artery response to ischemia-reperfusion

Stephen V Rendig1, J David Symons, Ezra A Amsterdam

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|January 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Statins did not affect ventricular recovery after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in pigs. However, statin treatment improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in coronary arteries, potentially enhancing blood flow to ischemic regions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Statins are widely used to manage hypercholesterolemia.
  • Their effects on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and coronary vasodilation are not fully understood.
  • Lipophilic statins may have different effects than hydrophilic statins due to cell permeability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if lipophilic statins impair ventricular recovery from ischemia-reperfusion compared to a hydrophilic statin.
  • To determine if statins enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilation in coronary arteries from ischemic regions.

Main Methods:

  • Farm pigs were treated with atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, or no statin for 3 weeks.
  • Left ventricular function was assessed during ischemia-reperfusion.
  • Coronary artery vasodilation and vasoconstriction were measured in isolated arteries from the ischemic region.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in ventricular function recovery were observed among statin-treated groups and controls.
  • Bradykinin-induced vasorelaxation of coronary conductance vessels was greater in statin-treated pigs.
  • Acetylcholine-induced vasoconstriction was reduced in simvastatin-treated animals.

Conclusions:

  • Three weeks of atorvastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin treatment did not alter ischemia-induced myocardial stunning in pigs.
  • Statin treatment appears to enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilation in coronary conductance vessels but not resistance vessels.
  • These findings suggest a potential benefit of statins in improving coronary blood flow to jeopardized myocardial regions.

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