Anti-inflammatory actions of aprotinin provide dose-dependent cardioprotection from reperfusion injury

Background and purpose: Myocardial injury following ischaemia and reperfusion has been attributed to activation and transmigration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with release of mediators including oxygen-derived radicals and proteases causing damage. Experimental approach: We studied the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin in an in vivo rabbit model of 1 h of myocardial ischaemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion (MI+R). Aprotinin (10 000 Ukg−1) or its vehicle were injected 5 min prior to the start of reperfusion. Key results: Myocardial injury was significantly reduced with aprotinin treatment as indicated by a reduced necrotic area (11±2.7% necrosis as percentage of area at risk aft…