The effects of atorvastatin on the prevention of heart muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits

Objective:To observe the effect of atorvastatin(ATV) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and the role of two ATP-sensitive K+ channels.Methods:Thirty-two rabbits were randomly divided into four groups,control group,ATV group,ATV+5-HD(A1) group,ATV+HMR1883(A2) group.All rabbits were subjected to 30 min ischemia and 30 min reperfusion.The max rate of rise of left ventricular pressure(±dp/dtmax) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) were detected during the experiment.At the end of reperfusion,the area of necrosis and area of ischemia were determined by Evans blue and TTC staining.Results:Compared with the control group,the indexes of heart function were improved significantly and infarct size(AN/AAR) were reduced(P0.05) in ATV group and A2 group.And this effect was blocked by 5-HD.There was no statistically significant between the control group and A1 group(P0.05).Conclusion:Atorvastatin exerts an early cardio protective effect against myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rabbits and mitochondrial KATP channel is likely involved in this protective mechanism.