Does infarct size influence loss of embolised 15-micrometer microspheres from ischaemic myocardium?

The relationship between myocardial infarct size and loss of 15-micron microspheres from ischaemic tissue was investigated in anaesthetized cats. Radioactive microspheres were injected in the left atrium before and 5 h after left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. Left ventricular hypoperfused zone (HZ) averaged 36.6% and infarct size (IS) 31.6%. Thus, 86% of HZ evolved into necrosis. Preocclusion blood flow was lower in ischaemic (1.62 ml/min per g) compared with non-ischaemic myocardium (2.09, p = 0.002), indicating 22% microsphere loss. In ischaemic subendocardium, oedema (3.7%) could account for the apparent loss. In ischaemic subepicardium, oedema was less pronounced and 18% physical sphere loss occurred. Subepicardial loss increased in proportion to IS and IS/HZ ratio (r2 = 0.71; p less than 0.005). Non-entrapment of 15-micron spheres in coronary circulation averaged 0.6%, and preocclusion spheres appeared in coronary sinus blood throughout the ischaemic period. In systemic circulation, non-entrapment during injection of preocclusion spheres was 7.8%, but only 1.8% 5 h later. Release of postocclusion spheres took place during KCl injection. Thus, myocardial ischaemia is associated with alterations in microvascular function allowing release of entrapped 15-micron spheres. Also, the magnitude of microsphere loss per gram tissue is related to infarct size.