METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the cardioprotective effects of a mitochondria-targeted
peptide,
Bendavia (Stealth
Peptides), across a spectrum of experimental cardiac
ischemia/reperfusion models. Postischemic administration of
Bendavia reduced
infarct size in an in vivo sheep model by 15% (P=0.02) and in an ex vivo guinea pig model by 38% to 42% (P<0.05). In an in vivo rabbit model, the extent of coronary no-reflow was assessed with
Thioflavin S staining and was significantly smaller in the
Bendavia group for any given ischemic risk area than in the control group (P=0.0085). Myocardial uptake of
Bendavia was ≈25% per minute, and uptake remained consistent throughout reperfusion. Postischemic recovery of cardiac hemodynamics was not influenced by
Bendavia in any of the models studied. Isolated myocytes exposed to
hypoxia/reoxygenation showed improved survival when treated with
Bendavia. This protection appeared to be mediated by lowered
reactive oxygen species-mediated cell death during reoxygenation, associated with sustainment of mitochondrial membrane potential in
Bendavia-treated myocytes.
CONCLUSIONS: