Improved protection in myocardial ischemia by combined prostacyclin administration and intraaortic balloon pumping.

The influence of prostacyclin (PGI2) alone or in combination with intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) on the levels of energy-rich phosphate compounds was investigated before and after coronary artery ligation in canine myocardium. There was a higher level in creatine phosphate in the ischemic as well as non-ischemic areas of the myocardium after treatment with PGI2, however the most protective effect was registered after a combination of PGI2 and IABP. PGI2 also reduces the release of cathepsin D activity into the blood independently whether or not a mechanical support of the heart after coronary artery ligation was performed.