The effect of iloprost on peroxidation in dog ischaemic myocardium

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Iloprost (Schering AG), a stable prostacyclin analogue, on the intensity of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated diene and hydroperoxide production in ischaemic dog myocardium. Adult male mongrel dogs were divided into groups as follows: A = sham/operated group, B = control animals, and C = Iloprost-supplemented group. The drug was administered as a single intravenous bolus at a dose of 10 micrograms/kg. Partial heart ischaemia was induced by occlusion of the left descending coronary artery. After 3 h ischaemia the dogs were killed, their hearts were removed and the levels of the above-mentioned peroxidation products were assayed. The concentrations of TBARS, conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides were significantly increased not only in the ischaemic region, but also in the border zone and in the "normally" perfused region of the heart. A considerable decrease of these products was observed in the Iloprost-treated group. A direct effect of Iloprost on the heart cell membranes is postulated.