Effects of tiapamil on haemodynamics and myocardial salvage during myocardial infarction in the baboon

We studied the effects of tiapamil during myocardial infarction in the anaesthetized baboon. 10 animals received placebo and 8 animals the drug. After basal measurements the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. Measurements were repeated at 15min and 2-hourly until the 12th h after occlusion. Placebo or drug (1 mg·kg^-1 and 50 µg·kg^-1 •min^-1) was administered 20 min after occlusion. Tiapamil decreased afterload by reducing peripheral resistance. Blood flow to the peripheral ischaemic zone was increased. These effects resulted in myocardial salvage manifest as a reduction in serum creatine kinase (MB) isoenzyme levels and less myocardial damage at 12 h than that predicted for the placebo group by S-T segment mapping 15 min after occlusion.