ABSTRACT
In this study, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol. Rats were intraperitoneally administered with resveratrol [25 mg/kg bw] or vehicle [ethanol 10%] for 7 days and their heart subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Isolated hearts were langendorff perfused, left ventricular functions as heart rate and developed pressure, as well as, heart antioxidant status were determined. Data showed that resveratrol improved recovery of post-ischemic ventricular functions when compared to control. Resveratrol also improved myocardial lipoperoxidation, free iron and antioxidant enzyme activities. Resveratrol decreased significantly catalase while it increased peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. In this later case, native PAGE analysis of superoxide dismutase isoforms revealed that resveratrol up regulated iron and manganese isoforms. Resveratrol exerted potential cardioprotection partly by its antioxidant properties