The cardioprotective effect of L-argenine
was assessed on myocardial infarction induced
in rats by ligation of left coronary artery. The
degree of protection was determined biochemically
by measuring level of serum creatine
phosphokinase enzyme (CPK) and histopathologically,
by estimating the percentage of
infarct size (I.S.%). In addition, the injury
current in E.C.G. tracing were studied.
In rats pretreated with L-argenine (60 mg/
kg/I.P.) 15 min. before induction of infarction,
serum CPK & I.S. % were significantly decreased
compared with infarcted non-treated
rats (P <0.01), similarly, treatment of rats
with L-argenine, 15 min. after induction of
infarction significantly decreased, the serum
CPK and I.S. % compared with either infarcted
non treated or pretreated rats (P < 0.01).
Moreover, the injury currents, which were observed
in the ECG were improved.
In conclusion, L-argenine could protect
the heart against extension of infarct size and
the protection was more evident in post rather
than preinfarction administration of L-argenine.
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