8-Epi PGF2α Generation During Coronary Reperfusion

Background Myocardial reperfusion is believed to be associated with free radical injury. However, indexes of oxidative stress in vivo have been limited by their poor specificity and sensitivity. Isoprostanes are stable products of arachidonic acid formed in a nonenzymatic, free radical–catalyzed manner. We have developed a sensitive and specific assay for one of these compounds, 8-epi prostaglandin (PG) F2α. Methods and Results To address its utility as an index of oxidative stress during coronary reperfusion, we measured urinary levels by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in a canine model of coronary thrombolysis, in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy, and in patients after elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Urinary 8-epi PGF2α was unchanged after circumflex artery occlusion in a canine model of coronary thrombolysis (n=13; 437.2±56.4 versus 432.7±55.2 pmol/mmol creatinine) but increased significantly (P<.05) immediately after reperfusion (553.8±64.7 pmo...