Vasospastic Elements in Myocardial Infarction Following Coronary Occlusion in the Dog

Abstract

Ligating the descending branch of the left coronary artery in dogs produced a decrease in blood flow (measured by a thermo-electric method) in the area of immediate supply, ultimately leading to the development of an infarct, and hyperaemia in areas of myocardium beyond the immediate distribution of the ligated vessel. Adrenergic neurone blockade largely prevented the decrease in blood flow and the development of infarction and also potentiated the hyperaemia in the area beyond the distribution of the ligated vessel. Neither propranolol nor atropine significantly influenced the blood flow responses of acute ligation.