Protective effects of M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in a rodent model of colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leukocyte infiltration, and up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in the colon. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, in rats subjected to experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Rats experienced bloody diarrhoea and significant loss of body weight. At 4 days after TNBS administration, the colon damage was characterised by areas of mucosal necrosis. Neutrophil infiltration (indicated by myeloperoxidase activity in the mucosa) was associated with up-regulation of ICAM-1 and expression of P-selectin and high levels of malondialdehyde. Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase showed an intense staining in the inflamed colon. Treatment with M40403 (5 mg/kg daily i.p.) significantly reduced the appearance of diarrhoea and the loss of body weight. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic architecture as well as a significant reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels. M40403 also reduced the appearance of nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase immunoreactivity in the colon as well as reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and the expression of P-selectin. The results of this study suggested that administration of a superoxide dismutase mimetic may be beneficial for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.     

Reduced development of experimental periodontitis by treatment with M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic

M40403, [manganese(II)dichloro[(4R,9R,14R,19R)-3,10,13,20,26 pentaazatetracyclo[20.3.1.0.(4,9)0(14,19)]hexacosa-1(26),-22(23),24-triene]], is a low-molecular-weight, synthetic, manganese-containing superoxide dismutase mimetic that removes superoxide anions without interfering with other reactive species known to be involved in inflammatory responses (e.g., nitric oxide, NO and peroxynitrite, ONOO-). As such, M40403 represents an important pharmacological tool to dissect the roles of superoxide anion in acute and chronic inflammation. For this purpose, the pharmacological profile of M40403 was evaluated in a rat model of periodontitis. Periodontitis was induced in rats by placing a 2/0 braided silk around the lower left first molar. On day 8 the gingivomucosal tissue encircling the first molar was removed for biochemical and histological analysis. Ligation significantly increased inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and expression, and gingival tissue revealed increased neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation and positive staining for nitrotyrosine formation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activation. Ligation significantly increased Evans blue extravasation in gingivomucosal tissue and alveolar bone destruction. Intraperitoneal injection of M40403 (10 mg/kg daily for 8 days) significantly decreased all of the above-described markers of inflammation. This suggests compounds that inhibit the generation of superoxide anion, such as M40403 may be potentially useful for the treatment of periodontitis.     

Pharmacological manipulation of the inflammatory cascade by the superoxide dismutase mimetic, M40403

1. M40403 is a low molecular weight, synthetic manganese containing superoxide dismutase mimetic (SODm) that removes superoxide anions (*O2-) without interfering with other reactive species known to be involved in inflammatory responses (e.g. nitric oxide, NO and peroxynitrite, ONOO-). 2. As such, M40403 represents an important pharmacological tool to dissect the roles of *O2- in acute and chronic inflammation. For this purpose, the pharmacological profile of M40403 was evaluated in carrageenan-induced pleurisy. 3. Injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity of rats elicited an acute inflammatory response characterized by: fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity which contained a large number of neutrophils (PMNs) as well as an infiltration of PMNs in lung tissues and subsequent lipid peroxidation, and increased production of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumour necrosis factor alpha, (TNFalpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). 4. All parameters of inflammation were attenuated by M40403 except for NOx, PGE2 and IL-10 which remained unaltered. Furthermore, carrageenan induced an upregulation of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and P-selectin, as well as nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) as determined by immunohistochemical analysis of lung tissues. 5. The degree of staining for the ICAM-1, P-selectin, nitrotyrosine and PARS was reduced by M40403. 6. These results clearly indicate that *O2- plays a critical role in the development of the inflammatory response by altering key components of the inflammatory cascade. Therefore, synthetic enzymes of SOD such as M40403, offers a novel therapeutic approach for the management of various inflammatory diseases where these radicals have been postulated to play a role.     

M40403, a superoxide dismutase mimetic,protects cochlear hair cells from gentamicin,but not cisplatin toxicity

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and cisplatin, a platinum-based anticancer drug, are two commonly used clinical drugs with ototoxic side effects. The ototoxicity of gentamicin and cisplatin has been linked to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), although the specific ROS pathways have not been identified. One ROS that might play a role in ototoxicity is the superoxide radical, which is enzymatically dismutated to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide by endogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. M40403, a manganese-based nonpeptidyl molecule that mimics the activity of SOD, was tested for its ability to protect against gentamicin and cisplatin toxicity in cochlear organotypic cultures from neonatal C57BL/10J mice. Cultures were treated with gentamicin or cisplatin alone or in combination with M40403. M40403 alone had no effect on outer hair cell (OHC) or inner hair cell (IHC) survival at doses of 1, 5, and 10 microM, but a high dose of 30 microM reduced hair cell numbers by approximately 30%. Gentamicin alone and cisplatin alone killed OHCs and IHCs in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of M40403 to gentamicin-treated cultures significantly increased OHC and IHC survival in a dose-dependent manner, whereas M40403 failed to protect hair cells in cisplatin-treated cultures at any dose. The results suggest that the toxicity of gentamicin and cisplatin to cochlear hair cells are mediated by different pathways. Clinically, increased levels of SOD or SOD mimetics might provide significant protection against aminoglycoside ototoxicity.     

Protective effects of a superoxide dismutase mimetic and peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts in endotoxin-induced intestinal damage.

1. The relative contributions of superoxide anion (O2-) and peroxynitrite (PN) were evaluated in the pathogenesis of intestinal microvascular damage caused by the intravenous injection of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. The superoxide dismutase mimetic (SODm) SC-55858 and the active peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,4,6-trimethyl-3,5-disulphonatophenyl)-por phyrinato iron (III) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4'-pyridyl)-porphyrinato iron (III) (FeTMPS, FeTMPyP respectively) were used to assess the roles of O2- and PN respectively. 2. The intravenous injection of LPS elicited an inflammatory response that was characterized by a time-dependent infiltration of neutrophils, lipid peroxidation, microvascular leakage (indicative of microvascular damage), and epithelial cell injury in both the duodenum and jejunum. 3. Administration of the SODm SC-55858, FeTMPS or FeTMPyP at 3 h post LPS reduced the subsequent increase in microvascular leakage, lipid peroxidation and epithelial cell injury. Inactive peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts exhibited no protective effects. Only, SC-55858 inhibited neutrophil infiltration. 4. Our results suggest that O2 and peroxynitrite play a significant role in the pathogenesis of duodenal and intestinal injury during endotoxaemia and that their remoyal by SODm and peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts offers a novel approach to the treatment of septic shock or clinical conditions of gastrointestinal inflammation. Furthermore, the remarkable protection of the intestinal epithelium by these agents suggests their use during chemo- and radiation therapy, cancer treatments characterized by gastrointestinal damage. Potential mechanisms through which these radicals evoke damage are discussed.     

Superoxide dismutase mimetic M40403 improves endothelial function in apolipoprotein(E)-deficient mice

1. Overproduction of superoxide anions in the vascular wall contributes to endothelial dysfunction in vascular disease. A superoxide-generating reduced beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase has recently been identified as a major source of oxidative radicals in vascular tissues. We studied the effects of a synthetic manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic, M40403, on NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide generation and on endothelial dysfunction. 2. In rat aortic smooth muscle cells, NADPH (100 micro M) markedly stimulated superoxide production as detected by lucigenin (5 micro M)-enhanced chemiluminescence. M40403 reduced NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide production in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC(50) being 31.6 micro M. In contrast, native Cu/Zn SOD (up to 300 U ml(-1)) had no effect. Angiotensin II (100 nM) increased the NADPH oxidase activity by 70%, and treatment with M40403 (10 micro M) reduced this increased superoxide to the control level. 3. In aortae from apolipoprotein(E)-deficient mice (apoE(0)) with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, superoxide production is largely derived from NADPH oxidase. The attenuation of endothelial nitric oxide vasodilator function parallels the increase in vascular superoxide production at different stages of the disease. Acute incubation of such aortic rings with M40403 significantly suppressed superoxide production and improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to a level comparable to that in wildtype control mice. 4. In summary, the cell-permeable SOD mimetic M40403 was found to reverse endothelial dysfunction in apoE(0) aorta ex vivo by decreasing NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide levels. The advantages of synthetic SOD mimetics over the native Cu/Zn SOD enzyme, such as greater cell permeability and stability, confer significant therapeutic potential in vascular disease.     

Cardioprotective actions of human superoxide dismutase in two reperfusion models of myocardial ischaemia in the rat.

1. In rats under ether anaesthesia, the left coronary artery was ligated and reperfused after 10 min of ischaemia. Forty-eight hours later the myocardium was analyzed for creatine kinase (CK) activity. 2. Human superoxide dismutase (h-SOD) given 1 min after occlusion and again 6 h later significantly improved survival and retarded the loss of myocardial CK. 3. In rat isolated hearts perfused at 15% of normal flow for 30 min followed by re-establishment of normal flow for 20 min, perfusion pressure increased by 72% and myocardial CK decreased by 44%. No significant changes occurred in wet-to-dry heart weight ratio. 4. Administration of h-SOD at 2.5 or 5.0 mg, significantly attenuated the elevated post-ischaemic perfusion pressure and the loss of myocardial CK activity in rat perfused hearts. 5. h-SOD appears to be an effective anti-ischaemic agent in the intact animal as well as the isolated perfused heart of the rat subjected to low flow followed by reperfusion at normal flow. The mechanism of this cardioprotective effect is not totally dependent upon the formed elements of the blood, but may be partially due to a direct cytoprotective effect.     

线粒体与心肌缺血/再灌注损伤

心肌缺血/再灌注损伤会破坏线粒体稳态平衡引起功能紊乱,如线粒体ATP合成减少、ROS生成增加、Ca2+超载、膜通透性增加、线粒体片段化等,这些事件相互作用从多条途径参与I/R过程,是心肌I/R损伤的重要原因。对I/R中线粒体病理变化及I/R损伤线粒体保护途径的最新研究进展进行综述,为基于线粒体途径的心血管疾病药物防治研究提供参考。     

Protective effects of a new stable, highly active SOD mimetic, M40401 in splanchnic artery occlusion and reperfusion

1. Splanchnic artery occlusion shock (SAO) causes an enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to the pathophysiology of shock. Here we have investigated the effects of M40401, a new S:,S:-dimethyl substituted biscyclohexylpyridine Mn-based superoxide dismutase mimetic (SODm, k(cat)=1.2x10(+9) M(-1) s(-1) at pH=7.4), in rats subjected to SAO shock. 2. Treatment of rats with M40401 (applied at 0.25, 2.5 or 25 microg kg(-1), 15 min prior to reperfusion), attenuated the mean arterial blood and the migration of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) caused by SAO-shock. M40401 also attenuated the ileum injury (histology) as well as the increase in the tissue levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) caused by SAO shock in the ileum. 3. Immunohistochemical analysis for nitrotyrosine revealed a positive staining in ileum from SAO-shocked rats. The degree of staining for nitrotyrosine was markedly reduced in tissue sections obtained from SAO-shocked rats which had received M40401. Reperfused ileum tissue sections from SAO-shocked rats showed positive staining for P-selectin and for anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in the vascular endothelial cells. M40401 treatment markedly reduced the intensity and degree of P-selectin and ICAM-1 in tissue sections from SAO-shocked rats. M40401 treatment significantly improved survival. 4. Additionally, the very high catalytic activity of this new mimetic (comparable to the native human Cu/Zn SOD enzyme and exceeding the activity of the human Mn SOD enzyme) translates into a very low dose ( approximately microg kg(-1)) required to afford protection in this SAO model of ischemia reperfusion injury. 5. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that M40401 treatment exerts a protective effect, and part of this effect may be due to inhibition of the expression of adhesion molecules and peroxynitrite-related pathways with subsequent reduction of neutrophil-mediated cellular injury.     

醋柳黄酮对大鼠心肌缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的观察醋柳黄酮作用于大鼠心肌缺血/再灌注损伤前后心肌形态学改变及组织MMP-9及其抑制物TIMP-1表达的改变,探讨醋柳黄酮对心肌缺血/再灌注损伤的保护机制。方法将50只大鼠随机分组:模型组、氯沙坦组、醋柳黄酮大、小剂量组及假手术组。结扎左冠状动脉前降支,30 min后松开制作心肌缺血/再灌注模型。对心肌组织进行HE染色,观察心肌坏死组织病理变化;免疫组织化学检测再灌注心肌组织MMP-9及其抑制物TIMP-1表达。结果 HE染色观察醋柳黄酮大、小剂量组预处理的大鼠心肌坏死较模型组明显减轻;免疫组化结果示模型组较假手术组MMP-9、TIMP-1表达增高(P<0.05);醋柳黄酮大、小剂量组较模型组MMP-9表达减少,TIMP-1表达增多,MMP-9/TIMP-1比值减小(P<0.05)。结论醋柳黄酮对再灌注损伤心肌有保护作用,其作用机制与抑制心肌中MMP-9表达,促进TIMP-1表达有关。     

卡托普利对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

采用大鼠离体工作心脏,观察卡托普利(CAP)对心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。结果表明:CAP 减少心肌肌酸磷酸激酶(CPK)释放、减少心肌丙二醛(MDA)生成、降低心肌细胞内钙含量、减少再灌注诱发的室颤(VF)和室速(VT)的发生率,并对心肌超微结构具有保护作用。作者还把CAP 和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)作了比较。提示CAP 具有自由基清除作用,对心肌缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用。     

姜黄素对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的观察姜黄素对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法结扎大鼠冠状动脉左前降支,使心肌缺血60m in,再灌注30 m in,制成急性心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型,缺血前5 m in,舌下静脉推注姜黄素,观察在急性缺血和再灌注状态下血流动力学的变化。再灌注结束时测量心肌梗死面积。结果姜黄素(20,40 mg.kg-1)能剂量依赖地改善大鼠心肌缺血再灌注后的血流动力学变化,LVSP、±dp/dtm ax均较缺血再灌注对照组升高,LVEDP有所降低;同时可减少心肌梗死面积。结论姜黄素对心肌缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用。     

原花青素对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的：观察原花青素（procyanidin,PC）对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用，方法：结扎大鼠冠状动脉左前降支（LAD）40min，复灌120min后复制出大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型，观察PC对大鼠心肌酶学，心梗面积和脂质过氧化的影响。结果：PC能减少心肌细胞磷酸肌酶激酶（CPK）和乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）的释放，明显缩小心肌梗死面积，能显提高大鼠血清和心肌组织中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性，降低心肌和血清脂质过氧化代谢产物丙二醛（MDA）含量，结论：PC对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用，其机制可能与清除自由基，抑制脂质过氧化反应有关。     

M2b macrophages stimulate lymphangiogenesis to reduce myocardial fibrosis after myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury

ContextTherapeutic lymphangiogenesis is a new treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study showed M2b macrophages can alleviate myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). However, the relation between M2b macrophages and lymphangiogenesis is not clear.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of M2b macrophages on lymphangiogenesis after MI/RI.Materials and methodsForty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into Sham operation group (control, n = 8), MI/RI group (n = 16) and M2b macrophage transplantation group (n = 16). M2b macrophages (1 × 10⁶) in 100 μL of normal saline or the same volume of vehicle was injected into the cardiac ischaemic zone. Two weeks later, echocardiography and lymphatic counts were performed, and the extent of myocardial fibrosis and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR3) were determined. In vitro, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were cultured with M2b macrophages for 6–24 h, and the proliferation, migration and tube formation of the LECs were assessed.ResultsIn vivo, M2b macrophage transplantation increased the level of lymphangiogenesis 2.11-fold, reduced 4.42% fibrosis, improved 18.65% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and upregulated the expressions of VEGFC and VEGFR3. In vitro, M2b macrophage increased the proliferation, migration, tube formation and VEGFC expression of LECs. M2b macrophage supernatant upregulated VEGFR3 expression of LECs.Discussion and ConclusionsOur study shows that M2b macrophages can promote lymphangiogenesis to reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve heart function, suggesting the possible use of M2b macrophage for myocardial protection therapy.     

The protective effect of M40401, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, on post-ischemic brain damage in Mongolian gerbils

Background

Amino acids in the β subunit contribute to the action of general anaesthetics on GABA_A receptors. We have now characterized the phenotypic effect of two β subunit mutations in the most abundant GABA_A receptor subtype, α1β2γ2.

Results

The β2(N265M) mutation in M2 decreased the modulatory actions of propofol, etomidate and enflurane, but not of alphaxalone, while the direct actions of propofol, etomidate and alphaxalone were impaired. The β2(M286W) mutation in M3 decreased the modulatory actions of propofol, etomidate and enflurane, but not of alphaxalone, whereas the direct action of propofol and etomidate, but not of alphaxalone, was impaired.

Conclusions

We found that the actions of general anaesthetics at α1β2(N265M)γ2 and α1β2(M286W)γ2 GABA_A receptors are similar to those previously observed at α2β3(N265M)γ2 and α2β3(M286W)γ2 GABA_A recpetors, respectively, with the notable exceptions that the direct action of propofol was decreased in α1β2(M286W)γ2 receptors but indistinguishable form wild type in α2β3(M286W)γ2 receptors and that the direct action of alphaxalone was decreased in α1β2(N265M)γ2 but not α2β3(N265M)γ2 receptors and indistinguishable form wild type in α1β2(M286W)γ2 receptors but increased in α2β3(M286W)γ2 receptors. Thus, selected phenotypic consequences of these two mutations are GABA_A receptor subtype-specific.     

Tempol,a superoxide dismutase mimetic agent,reduces cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most potent anti-cancer drugs used against different types of cancer. Its use is limited due to its nephrotoxicity. This study is aimed to evaluate the role of a super oxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic agent, tempol, in protection against CP nephrotoxicity in rats. Animals were divided into four groups: Group-1: Normal control group, Group-2: CP group (single dose of CP 6?mg/kg, i.p.), Group-3 and Group-4: Tempol-treated groups (50?mg/kg p.o. and 100?mg/kg p.o. respectively) daily for a week before CP injection and continued for an additional four days after CP injection. Urine and blood samples were collected for the evaluation of kidney function including serum creatinine, BUN, cystatin-c, and creatinine clearance. In addition, western blotting was used to determine urine lipocalin-2 content. Furthermore, kidney tissue was collected for the determination of oxidative stress markers, caspase-3 expression, and histopathological examination. We noticed that both doses of tempol significantly improved kidney function, which was deteriorated by CP injection. Tempol significantly elevated kidney glutathione (GSH) content and SOD activity, and decreased kidney lipid peroxidation and NOx production. Tempol also significantly decreased kidney caspase-3 expression which was elevated by CP toxicity. Thus, we conclude that tempol can protect against CP nephrotoxicity. We noticed that both doses of tempol are effective in ameliorating CP-nephrotoxicity.     

赛庚啶对离体大鼠心肌再灌注损伤的保护作用

离体大鼠心脏经低灌(0.17 ml·min~(-1))60min后,用正常K-H液复灌20min,可导致严重的心肌损伤,赛庚啶(2.5和5 μmol·L~(-1))对上述心肌损伤有明显的保护作用,表现为明显改善心脏复灌时的心功能,抑制心律失常的发生和降低心脏停搏的发生率,减少心肌细胞内CK和LDH的漏出,提高心肌组织SOD和GSH-Px活性,抑制MDA的升高。     

内洋地黄素拮抗剂对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的　结扎大鼠左冠状动脉前降支造成心肌缺血再灌注损伤 (MIR) ,观察MIR时心肌组织内洋地黄素水平的变化和内洋地黄素特异性拮抗剂地高辛抗血清对MIR时心肌的保护作用。方法　采用左冠状动脉前降支结扎 30min ,复灌4 5min建立在体大鼠MIR模型。SpraugeDawley大鼠随机分成 7组 ,每组 10只。假手术组 ,缺血再灌注模型组 ,生理盐水组 ,维拉帕米组 ,小剂量、中剂量、大剂量地高辛抗血清组。各组于再灌注 4 5min后立即取左室心尖部缺血区心肌 ,检测心肌匀浆中内洋地黄素含量、心肌细胞膜Na+ ,K+ ATP酶活性和线粒体内Ca2 + 含量。光镜及电镜下观察心肌组织形态学变化。结果　MIR时心肌组织内洋地黄素水平明显升高 ,细胞膜Na+ ,K+ ATP酶活性明显下降 ,线粒体内Ca2 + 水平升高 ,心肌组织结构发生明显损伤。中、大剂量地高辛抗血清能降低心肌组织内洋地黄素水平 ,恢复心肌细胞膜Na+ ,K+ ATP酶活性 ,降低线粒体内Ca2 + 水平 ,减轻MIR导致的心肌组织结构的损伤。结论　内洋地黄素拮抗剂地高辛抗血清对MIR大鼠心肌有明显的保护作用 ,其作用机制可能通过拮抗内洋地黄素 ,恢复心肌细胞膜Na+ ,K+ ATP酶活性 ,减轻细胞内Ca2 + 超载。     

Sustained limitation by superoxide dismutase of canine myocardial injury due to regional ischemia followed by reperfusion

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of superoxide dismutase, a scavenger of superoxide anions, on leukocyte accumulation and myocardial injury in a canine preparation of myocardial infarction. Dogs underwent occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery for 90 min, followed by a reperfusion for 6 or 24 h. The dogs received either saline or superoxide dismutase (5 mg/kg), beginning 15 min before coronary occlusion and ending 15 min after coronary reflow. Myocardial infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the area at risk, was significantly less in superoxide-dismutase-treated dogs that underwent reperfusion for 6 h, 17.5 +/- 1.7, or 24 h, 25.8 +/- 3.6, compared to saline-treated dogs that underwent reperfusion for 6 h, 42.7 +/- 4.4 (p less than 0.05), or 24 h, 53.0 +/- 6.1 (p less than 0.05). The differences in infarct size were not due to differences in myocardial oxygen demand. Superoxide dismutase had no effect on regional myocardial perfusion of the ischemic bed. Accumulation of 111indium (In)-labeled autologous leukocytes within the area at risk was similar in control and superoxide-dismutase-treated dogs (p greater than 0.05). The results suggest that oxygen radicals play a role in the extent of injury due to regional myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion, and the protective effect of free radical scavengers may be sustained beyond the expected plasma half-life of the administered agent.