Lidocaine and dextran sulfate inhibit leukocyte accumulation but not postischemic contractile dysfunction in a canine...

Leukocytes have been implicated as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of postischemic contractile dysfunction, probably through the release of oxygen free radicals. Lidocaine and dextran sulfate are known to inhibit leukocyte adherence to endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In an acute open-chest canine model both agents were found to inhibit the augmented accumulation of indium-111-labeled leukocytes in briefly ischemic and subsequently reperfused myocardium. Pharmacologic inhibition of leukocyte accumulation by lidocaine and dextran sulfate, however, was not associated with improvement in postischemic contractile dysfunction.