The neuroprotective agent Rasagiline mesylate attenuates cardiac remodeling after experimental myocardial infarction

Aim Rasagiline mesylate (N-propargyl- 1 (R)-aminoindan) (RG) is a selective, potent irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-B with cardioprotective and anti-apoptotic properties. We investigated whether it could be cardioprotective in a rat model undergoing experimental myocardial infarction (MI) by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Methods and results RG was administered, intraperitoneally, for 28 days (2 mg/kg) starting 24 h after MI induction. Echocardiography analysis revealed a significant reduction in left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic dimensions and preserved fractional shortening in RG-treated compared with normal saline group at 28 days post-MI (31.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 19.6 +/- 1.8, P < 0.0001), respectively. Treatment with RG prevented tissue fibrosis as indicated by interstitial collagen estimation by immunofluorescence staining and hydroxyproline content and attenuated the number of apoptotic myocytes in the border zone (65%) as indicated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Caspase 3 relative protein levels were significantly decreased in the non-infarcted myocardium. Markedly decreased malondialdehyde levels in the border zone indicate a reduction in tissue oxidative stress. Conclusions Our study demonstrates a positive effect of RG in the post-MI period with a significant attenuation in cardiac remodelling.