Effects of the prostanoid EP3 -receptor agonists M&B 28767 and GR 63799X on infarct size caused by regional myocardial ischaemia in the anaesthetized rat

1. This study investigates the effects of two agonists of the prostanoid EP3-receptor (MB PEEP: 1-2 mmHg) and subjected to occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD, for 7.5, 15, 25, 35, 45 or 60 min) followed by reperfusion (2 h). Infarct size was determined by staining of viable myocardium with a tetrazolium stain (NBT), histological evaluation by light and electron microscopy and determination of the plasma levels of cardiac troponin T. 3. MB saline-control, n=8) to 39+/-6 and 38+/-4% of the area at risk, without causing a significant fall in blood pressure. Pretreatment of rats with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, attenua…