Na+ Currents in Cardioprotection: Better to Be Late

We report the discovery of a selective, potent inhibitor of the late current mediated by the cardiac isoform of the sodium channel (Nav 1.5). The compound, 3,4-dihydro-N-[(2S)-3-[(2-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)thio]-2-methylpropyl]-2H-(3R)-1,5-benzoxathiepin-3-amine (2d) (F 15741), blocks the late component of the Na+ currents and greatly reduces veratridine- or ischemia-induced contracture in isolated tissue and whole heart. The cardioprotective action of 2d was further established in a model of myocardial infarction in the pig in which 2d prevents ischemia-reperfusion damage after 60 min of coronary occlusion and 48 h reperfusion. Under these experimental conditions, only 2d and cariporide reduce infarct size. Remarkably, myocardial protection afforded by 2d occurs in the absence of hemodynamic effects. These data expand the therapeutic potential of late I-Na blockers and suggest that 2d could be useful in pathologies for which pharmacological treatments are not yet available.