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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Model of Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
Published on: November 3, 2023
[Delayed protective effect of morphine preconditioning on rabbit myocardium]
Limin Long1, Dingquan Zou, Rong Tan
1Department of Geriatrics , Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
Summary
Morphine preconditioning delayed myocardial protection in rabbits. A 24-hour preconditioning significantly reduced cardiac troponin I levels and infarct size, indicating a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Preconditioning strategies aim to protect the heart from ischemic damage.
- Opioids, like morphine, are being investigated for cardioprotective properties.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the delayed protective effects of morphine preconditioning on rabbit myocardium following ischemia-reperfusion.
- To determine the optimal timing for morphine administration to achieve cardioprotection.
Summary:
- New Zealand white rabbits received either normal saline (NS) or morphine (3 mg/kg).
- Groups were subjected to 30 minutes of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion at either 12 or 24 hours post-infusion.
- Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels, myocardial infarct size, and ultrastructural injury were assessed.
Impact:
- Morphine preconditioning administered 24 hours prior to ischemia demonstrated a significant delayed protective effect.
- Reduced cTnI concentrations and smaller infarct sizes were observed in the 24-hour morphine group.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic window for opioid-mediated cardioprotection.
