The endothelin receptor antagonist decreases ischemia/reperfusion-induced tumor necrosis factor production in isolated rat hearts

Previous studies have shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) may play a pathophysiological role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the present study, BMS-182874 significantly improved the recovery of cardiac function and reduced the release of CK during reperfusion after ischemia and the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in myocardial tissues. BMS-182874 also reduced myocardial injury and the increased level of TNF-α by exogenous ET-1. These results suggest that the cardioprotective effects of the ET receptor antagonist may be related to inhibition of TNF-α production.