The influence of inosine on the size of myocardial ischaemia and myocardial metabolism in the pig.

In acute experiments on open chest pigs 15 min occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery were performed, each occlusion followed by 45 min reperfusion. Myocardial ischaemia was defined by epicardial electrogram recorded from the border of the ischaemic area. Myocardial extraction of lactate and glucose as well as the extraction of FFA were measured before and at the 15th min of occlusion. Inosine (5 mg/kg/min) or 0.9% NaCl infusion was administered i.v. throughout the occlusion period. Inosine significantly diminished the number of ischaemic points and reduced an increase in R-wave voltage induced by coronary occlusion. Myocardial extraction of measured substrates was not significantly influenced by inosine administration. In conclusion, inosine decreases the area of ischaemic injury induced by acute coronary occlusion in the pig.