Effects of captopril on myocardial protection during cardioplegia

Abstract The study aimed at checking effects exerted by captopril (C) on human myocardial ACE system as well as the role played by tissue ACE inhibition in reducing reperfusion damage. A human experimental model was used during cardioplegia due to aorto-coronary-by-pass (CABG). Fifty-four patients with coronary artery disease affecting 3 vessels having suffered from acute myocardial infarction anterior (AMI-ant), homogeneous as far as ejection fraction (35–55%), number of grafts (3), clamping time, age and sex, were randomised in a double blind experiment, and were given captopril or placebo (P). A total of 4 mg/l Captopril was mixed into the cardioplegic solution with blood according to th…