Effect Of Dipyridamole On ATP Metabolism In The Red Blood Cells And Cardiovascular Protection

Abstract

Dipyridamole (DYP) is an adenosine uptake inhibitor used clinically as a coronary vasodilator, although the mechanism of action is not fully understood. The objective of my thesis research was to study the effect of DYP on ATP metabolism in the red blood cell (RBC) in response to acute cardiovascular injury induced by isoproterenol (30 mg/kg). Rats were each received either 10 mg/kg of DYP or normal saline twice daily for 5 doses by subcutaneous (sc) injection. Blood samples were collected from 0 to 6 hours for measurement of circulating ATP and adenosine concentrations. Isoproterenol induced 50% mortality and increased the breakdown of ATP in the RBC to AMP and adenosine in the control group. Treatment with DYP decreased mortality to 25%, and significantly reduced the breakdown of ATP in the RBC. In conclusion, DYP is protective against cardiovascular injury induced by isoproterenol most likely by preserving ATP in the RBC.