Polymeric prostaglandin PGBx and other prostaglandin polymers prolong survival of the heart of the hypoxic mouse.

A new chemical method for prolongation of survival under hypoxia is reported. Polymeric prostaglandin PGBx which shows beneficial effects on damaged mitochondria in vitro was used. Survival time of the intact hypoxic (6% O2) mouse as measured by electrocardiogram is prolonged by 100% or more by standard PGBx (mean polymer chain length = 7). Prostaglandin polymers of mean chain lengths of 2 to 3 also produced marked prolongation of survival. Monomeric prostaglandin PGB1 was not effective for prolongation of survival.