Aim: Magnesium (Mg(2+)) is effective in treating cardiovascular disorders such as arrhythmias and pre-eclampsia, but its role during myocardial infarction (MI) remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effects of Mg(2+)pre-treatment on isoprenaline (ISO) -induced MI in vivo.
Methods: Rats divided into four groups were each pre-treated with either MgSO4 (270 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or an equivalent volume of physiological saline, prior to the ISO (67 mg/kg subcutaneously) or saline treatments. One day post-treatment, the electrocardiogram and left ventricular blood pressures were recorded. Infarcts were determined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and serum markers of lipid peroxidation were measured with spectrophotometric assays.
Results: Mg(2+) pre-treatment neither altered the ISO-induced infarct size compared with ISO treatment alone (p > 0.05), nor reversed the low-voltage electrocardiogram or the prominent Q waves induced by ISO, despite a trend to decreased Q waves. Similarly, Mg(2+) did not prevent the ISO-induced decrease in peak left ventricular blood pressure or the decrease in minimal rate of pressure change. Mg(2+) did not reverse the ISO-induced gain in heart weight or loss of body weight. Neither ISO nor Mg(2+) altered the concentrations of lipid peroxidation markers 24 hours post MI induction.
Conclusion: Although Mg(2+) had no detrimental effects on electrical or haemodynamic activity in ISO-induced MI, the lack of infarct prevention may detract from its utility in MI therapy.