Protective effect of nicorandil on postischemic function and tissue adenine nucleotides following a brief period of low-flow global ischemia in the isolated perfused rat heart.

A new antianginal agent, nicorandil, was tested in an isolated perfused rat heart model. Hearts were subjected to 30 min of low-flow, global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion in the presence or absence of nicorandil. Nicorandil (1,500 micrograms/l) significantly improved isovolumic left ventricular minute-work during reperfusion compared to untreated hearts. Nicorandil also prevented the rebound in cardiac phosphocreatine levels and the loss of total adenine nucleotides as a result of ischemia and reperfusion. The salient effect of nicorandil was independent of any alterations in the release of endogenous prostacyclin. These results suggest that nicorandil may possess a unique cytoprotective effect on the ischemic-reperfused myocardium.