Experimental Coronary Veins Obstruction in Sheep: Changes in Serum Enzymes

In this study the coronary veins of the sheepʹs heart were blocked experimentally and biochemical alterations were studied. Twenty female mixed breed adult sheep were used in this study. The 4th intercostals space was incised and the thorax was entered by a rib spreader. The pericardium was incised on its longitudinal plane from the apex up to the base of heart below the frenic nerve and extended to the caudal aspect of the heart. In the control group, just the myocardium was manipulated. In the second group, 3-4 superficial coronary veins were totally ligated by polyprolene suture. In the third group, 3-4 superficial coronary veins were sub totally ligated to reduce 50%-70% of diameter of the vein. In the fourth group, 5-10 superficial coronary veins were totally ligated and in the fifth group, 5-10 superficial coronary veins were sub totally ligated. Then the intercostals space was sutured by polyglactin suture using simple continuous pattern. Before the last suture, all the air in the chest cavity was forced out by a deep inspiration. The postoperative care included: daily clinical examination, antibiotic therapy for 5 days, anti-inflammatory for 5 days, and collection of jugular vein blood to test biochemical parameters on day 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 15, 25 and 35 post operative days. During the post operative days, transaminase enzymes alteration pattern were similar relatively in all groups. They increased initially followed by a decrease; this alteration was slowly. The increases were significant (P < 0.05) inter group and intra group during first 5 post operative days. In group 5, all animals died just after surgery except one that survived until 5th post operative day. Therefore, no statistic was applicable for this group. To summarize, the alterations of CPK and LDH enzymes observed in this study were similar to the alterations due to coronary arteries obstruction and the subsequent myocardial infarction. This proves that coronary vein obstruction can similarly induce ischemia and myocardial infarction compared to coronary arteries obstruction.