The Effects of a Highly Purified Hyaluronidase Preparation on Experimental Myocardial Infarction in the Rat

Several substances have been claimed to be effective in reducing the area of necrosis in acute myocardial infarction. The effects of a highly purified hyaluronidase preparation (Hyalas) on experimental myocardial infarction in the rat have been evaluated in this study. In the first series, one group of rats was treated with hyaluronidase 1 500-2 000 IU/kg injected intravenously 2, 4, 18, 24, 28 and 42 hours after induction of infarction by coronary artery occlusion. Another group was treated with NaCl solution. The infarction size was evaluated by serum lactate dehydrogenase and weight of infarcted myocardium. In a second series, the substances were administered immediately after the occlusion. In this experiment, the infarction size was estimated by planimetry. The percentage of salvaged myocardium in the hyaluronidase-treated groups was within the range of 20%. It seems reasonable to suggest that the use of highly purified hyaluronidase may be of clinical value for reduction of the myocardial infarction size.