The salvage of ischaemic myocardium by BW755C in anaesthetised dogs.

BW755C, a dual inhibitor of the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism reduces the size of an infarct produced by 60 min of coronary occlusion followed by 5 hours reperfusion in anaesthetised beagles. This effect of BW755C is observed when the drug is given after the period of occlusion, and is independent of any haemodynamic effect. In contrast, indomethacin, which inhibits only the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, did not influence infarct size. It is suggested that the salvage of acutely ischaemic myocardium by BW755C is due to inhibition of lipoxygenase product formation by migrating cells which invade the damaged myocardium to produce an inflammatory response.