To evaluate whether garlicin can prevent reperfusion no-reflow in a catheter-based porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Twenty-two male Chinese mini swines were randomized into 3 groups: sham-operation group (n=6)

control group (n=8)

and garlicin group (n=8). The distal part of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in swines of the latter two groups was completely occluded by dilated balloon for 2 h and a successful AMI model was confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG) and electrocardiograph (ECG)

which was then reperfused for 3 h. In the sham-operation group

balloon was placed in LAD without dilatation. Garlicin at a dosage of 1.88 mg/kg was injected 10 min before LAD occlusion until reperfusion for 1 h in the garlicin group. To assess serial cardiac function

hemodynamic data were examined by catheter method before AMI

2 h after occlusion and 1

2

and 3 h after reperfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and double staining with Evans blue and thioflavin-S were performed to evaluate myocardial no-reflow area (NRA) and risk area (RA). Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure significantly improved in the garlicin group after reperfusion compared with the control group P<0.05) and 2 h after AMI (P<0.05). MCE showed garlicin decreased reperfusion NRA after AMI compared with the control group (P <0.05). In double staining

NRA/RA in the garlicin group was 18.78%

significantly lower than that of the control group (49.84%

P<0.01). Garlicin has a preventive effect on the porcine model of myocardial infarction reperfusion no-reflow by improving hemodynamics and decreasing NRA.