[mu-Opiate receptor activation and increase in heart resistance to ischemic and reperfusion injury].

Stimulation of mu-opioid receptors was found to contribute to prevention of myocardial contractile dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias in ischemia and reperfusion of the rat isolated heart. Endogenous agonists of the mu-opioid receptors were not involved in tonic regulation of the heart resistance against reperfusion disturbances of the rhythm and contractility. On the other hand, mu-opioid receptors are important for development of postischemic contracture.