Significance of the cardioprotective effect of prostanoids and indomethacin.

Recent investigations in several organs indicate cytoprotective effects of prostanoids. For further elucidation of this efficacy the investigations dealt with the cardioprotection of prostanoids (iloprost, PGE1) and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin under in vivo- and in vitro-conditions. The experiments were carried out in isolated perfused guinea pig hearts and anaesthetized rabbits. Cardiac damage was induced by chemical substances or loading by aortic constriction or ischemia. In isolated perfused hearts iloprost and indomethacin suppressed the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, benzene, sodium dithionate and phenylethylbarbituric acid, but not the efficacy of quinine sulfate and 2,4-dinitro-phenol. Cardiac loading by aortic stenosis or ischemia induced a decrease of contractility and blood pressure and changes in the myocardial PGI2-biosynthesis. On the other side application of indomethacin, iloprost or PGE1 diminished the cardiac damage and inhibit the myocardial PGI2-formation. The results show that indomethacin and prostanoids have a protective effect in pathophysiological changes or toxic damage of the heart, possibly caused by a stabilization of the cellular membrane.