Angiotensin II inhibition during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in dogs: effects on leukocyte infiltration, nitric oxide synthase isoenzymes activity and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Leukocyte infiltration and activation in myocardial reperfusion injury may be modulated by nitric oxide synthase isoforms. Angiotensin II influences leukocyte activation directly or by nitric oxide generation mechanisms. The effects of angiotensin II inhibition before reperfusion on myocardial function, leukocyte accumulation and nitric oxide synthase were evaluated on three groups of eight dogs.