Myocardial protection with methylprednisolone. Evaluation of viability of hearts subjected to warm ischemia before transplantation.

Methylprednisolone was given at different intervals before warm ischemia of the heart (37 degrees C. for 60 minutes), and viability of these hearts was evaluated after transplantation into the abdomen of another dog. Animals were divided into four groups: Group 1 received no methylprednisolone: Groups II, III, and IV received 30 mg. of methylprednisolone per kilogram 10 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes before warm ischemia. In all parameters measured, the animals of Group IV performed better than the other groups. It is concluded that methylprednisolone, when given 2 hours before warm ischemia, exerts a protective effect on the ischemic myocardium.