Infarct size-reducing effect of nicorandil is mediated by the KATP channel but not by its nitrate-like properties in dogs

Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs subjected to 60 min of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion

Nicorandil (100 micrograms/kg bolus + 10 micrograms/kg/min) or glyceryl trinitrate (10 micrograms/kg bolus + 1 microgram/kg/min) given intravenously 15 min before LAD occlusion and continued to the time of reperfusion, with or without glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg) or methylene blue (80 microM)

Equivalent volume of saline given intravenously

Infarct size expressed as a percent of the area at risksurrogate