Inhibition of type 2A secretory phospholipase A2 reduces death of cardiomyocytes in acute myocardial infarction.

During acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemia leads to necrotic areas surrounded by border zones of reversibly damaged cardiomyocytes, showing membrane flip-flop. During reperfusion type IIA secretory phopholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) induces direct cell-toxicity and facilitates binding of other inflammatory mediators on these cardiomyocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that the specific sPLA(2)-IIA-inhibitor PX-18 would reduce cardiomyocyte death and infarct size in vivo.