Cyclophosphamide Improves the Function of Post-Infarct Hearts by Reducing Old Infarct Area and Accelerating the Mobilization of CD34+ Cells

Background Myelosuppressives such as cyclophosphamide (Cy) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU), which can increase circulating CD34+ cells, may have a beneficial effect in the post-infarct heart. Methods and Results Twenty-four hours after 30-min ischemia - reperfusion, rabbits were intravenously treated with Cy (20 mg/kg), 5FU (15 mg/kg) or saline (S). Cy significantly improved cardiac function and remodeling and decreased the old infarct area 1 month after infarction, compared with those given S. The number of circulating CD34+ cells was higher and neovascularization and matrix metalloproteinase-1 was induced in the Cy group. Conclusion Cy has potential for post-infarct treatment. (Circ J 2005; 69: 763 - 765)