Effects of reserpine and propranolol on anoxia-induced enzyme release from the isolated perfused guinea-pig-heart.

The possibility of a protective effect by reserpine or propranolol on anoxia-induced released of malate and lactate dehydrogenase was investigated in isolated perfused hearts of guinea-pigs. After allowing 30 min of aerobic perfusion for the development of a steady state, the hearts from the nontreated group as well as the reserpine-pretreated or propranolol-treated group were subjected to a prolonged anoxia of 5 hrs. A marked enzyme release which occurred from the anoxic nontreated hearts was significantly inhibited by reserpine or propranolol. These findings suggest that the enzyme release from the anoxic myocardium is partly related to the liberation of endogenous catecholamines.