Purpurogallin protects both ventricular myocytes and aortic endothelial cells of rats against oxyradical damage.

Rat ventricular myocytes have been isolated and cultured by two separate procedures. Using phase-contrast and electron microscopies, we illustrate that (a) definitive cell damage is produced when myocytes are exposed to xanthine oxidase--hypoxanthine and (b) purpurogallin between 0.25 and 1.0 mM prolongs survival of both myocyte preparations in a dose-dependent manner. The cytoprotection produced by 1 mM purpurogallin exceeds that given by 2 mM each of ascorbate, Trolox, and mannitol, or 24,200 IU superoxide dismutase/L and (or) 92,000 IU catalase/L. Furthermore, we noted, for the first time, that purpurogallin markedly protects rat aortic endothelial cells, a key target of free radical generation and attack. In contrast, Trolox has a negligible effect here. Mechanistically, we showed that purpurogallin inhibits urate formation by xanthine oxidase more potently than allopurinol. Also, the compound diminishes formation of superoxide-reduced cytochrome c. Therefore, purpurogallin is a potent protector of ventricular myocytes and aortic endothelial cells, both of which are important cells in the cardiovascular system.