Post-Infarct Morphine Treatment Reduces Apoptosis and Myofibroblast Density in a Rat Model of Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Publisher Pubmed



Rajani SF^{1, 2} ; Faghihi M¹ ; Imani A¹
Source: European Journal of Pharmacology Published:2020

Abstract

Following myocardial ischemia, the cardiac tissue undergoes both, physiological and pathological changes to compensate the initial loss of function. Long-term continuous adjustments often take a drastic picture indicated by deteriorated ventricular function. Morphine is commonly used for rescuing patients suffering a heart attack. Recent results from our laboratory showed the anti-remodeling potential of morphine. Here, we explored the effect of morphine treatment on gelatinolytic activity, apoptosis and myofibroblast density. The male Sprague – Dawley rats underwent ischemia via ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery and received morphine (3 mg/kg; i.p.) for five consecutive days. Seven days post-MI, morphine led to significant reduction in MMP – 2 activity, apoptotic cell death and fibroblast density. Morphine also reduced MI-induced rise in serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance and nitrite levels on day 28th following the surgery. These results provide mechanistic insight for morphine – induced anti-remodeling effects. © 2020