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P303 Effects of estradiol on peripheral blood stem cells and myocardial angiogenesis in rats with myocardial infarction
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International Journal of Cardiology 125 (2008) S51–S73 www.elsevier.com/locate/ijcard
Posters P301 The value of testosterone on cardiac function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
P302 Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit atherosclerosis in apoE-null mice through modulation of Th1/Th2 balance
T. Abdullaev *, B. Mardanov, N. Kurbanov. The Republican Specialized Center of Cardiology, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Y. Chen *, X. Cheng, J.J. Xie, R. Yao, X. Yu, Y.J. Ding, T.T. Tang, Y.H. Liao. Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Aim: To studying of a condition of sex hormones (testosterone) and erectile function in interrelation with parameters of haemodynamics at men with dilated cardiomyopathy (DC). Methods: We studied 16 patients with DC, omplicated by CHF in the age from 23 to 62 years (41.4±2.5 y, NYHA functional class III (68.7%), IV (31.3%). By all patient were made ECG, EchoCG, Holter ECG with definition of frequency and character of VE, chest X-ray with definition of cardiothoracal index (CI), definition of plasma concentration of testosterone (T). We are also studied the degree erectile dysfunction (ED) applying of IIEF-5 questionnaire. 5 (31.2%) patients have the II degree of CI expansion, and 11 (68.8%) – III degree. Results: At 7 (43.7%) patients are revealed reduction T level in plasma (mean 2.24±0.25 ng/ml). 4 (25%) patients are have approximately reduction of T level, not peculiar for their age (mean 4.38±0.17 ng/ml). The concentration of plasma T of the others of 5 patients were within the limits of normal values. On the sum of the typed points on IIEF-5 questionnaire at patients with low level of T we observed no statistical significant increase of a ED degree, concerning patients with normal maintenance of T in plasma (accordingly 11.1±4.14 and 12.3±1.53 points, P > 0.1). It is necessary to note, that the patients of both groups are have II (moderate) degree of ED. At the analysis of interrelation between T concentration, results of IIEF5 questionnaire and parameters of cardiac function it is revealed, that in group of patients with low and rather low levels of T it is determined significant increasing of LV ESD on 19.7% (7.1±0.26 and 5.7±0.1 cm, P < 0.001), LV EDD – on 13.2% (8.24±0.25 and 7.15±0.2 cm, P < 0.01) in comparison patients with normal levels of plasma T, accompanying also significant reduction of LV EF by 27.2% (28.9±1.6 and 39.7±1.2%, P < 0.001). Statistical significant correlation was not observed at comparison of the others parameters, such as E/A, right ventrycle, right and left auricles volumes and frequency and character of VA at the studied patients in association with T plasma concentration. Conclusions: Thus, the majority of the studied men are have attributes of hypogonadism, or relative reduction in a level of plasma T, accompanying with the ED, that correlates with changes of volumetric parameters of LV and its systolic dysfunction.
Object: We undertook this study to determine whether suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) expressing TTAGGG motif alter the development of atherosclerosis and the mechanism of it. Methods: Eight-week-old apoE−/ − were injected with 300 mg ODN A151 (TTAGGG) or nonspecific ODN 1612 in 300 ml of PBS every other week, and the control group were treated with 300 ml of PBS. To age of 23 weeks, we analyzed the area of atherosclerotic plaque and detected IFNg+ CD4+ /IL-4+ CD4+ of spleen cells. Results: ODN A151 but not ODN 1612 significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size by 47% (8.2±5.9% vs. 15.6±6.2%, P < 0.05), also inhibited Th1 (6.0±2.0% vs. 4.1±1.7%, P < 0.05) and skewed Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2 inflammation (8.1±4.2 vs. 4.6±2.3, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Suppressive ODN inhibited the development of atherosclerosis through modulation of Th1/Th2 balance.
P303 Effects of estradiol on peripheral blood stem cells and myocardial angiogenesis in rats with myocardial infarction Y.C. Chen *, X. Jin, W.Q. Liu, Z. Zhi. Division of Cardiology, West China Hospital, SiChuan University, ChengDu, Sichuan Province, China Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of estradiol on peripheral blood stem cells and myocardial angiogenesis in rats after myocardial infarction. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized, and then left anterior descending coronary arteries were ligated to introduced acute myocardial infaction (AMI). The rats were randomized into 4 groups: ovariectomized myocardial infarction group (OMI), estrogen physiological dose therapy group (EPT), estrogen high dose therapy group (EHT), estrogen replacement therapy group (ERT). They were treated with saline or different doses of Oestradiol Benzoate by intramuscular injection. CD34+ cells in myocardium on 24 h later after AMI were detected by Immunohistochemistry. CD34+ cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry on 1, 3, 7 days after AMI, the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in myocardium on 1, 3, 7 days after AMI and microvascular density in myocardium at 28 days after AMI was evaluated by Immunohistochemistry. Results: CD34+ cells in peripheral blood and myocardium, the expression of SDF-1 and microvascular density at 4 weeks later after AMI in ovariectomized rats were obviously lower than in ovary intact rats. However, after administration with different doses of estrogen, CD34+ cells in peripheral blood and myocardium, the expression of SDF-1 and microvascular density in myocardium were increased in
0167-5273/ $ – see front matter © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
S52
Posters / International Journal of Cardiology 125 Suppl. 1 (2008) S51–S73
ovariectomized rats with AMI, this effect was strongest especially in estrogen replacement therapy group. Conclusion: Replacement with estradiol in ovariectomized rats with AMI can improve the mobilization and homing of bone marrow stem cells into myocardium and accentuates myocardial angiogenesis after AMI, this effect may be mediated by promotion of expression of SDF-1 in myocardium after myocardial infarction.
P304 Cardiovascular effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in Chinese patients with both heart failure and obstructive sleep apnoea J. Cheung *. Medical & Geriatrics Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not uncommon in patients with heart failure. This study aims to assess the cardiovascular effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in Chinese patients with both heart failure and OSA. Methods: Patients with age less than 70 undergoing medical therapy for heart failure (with LVEF < 50% and NYHA class at least 2) were screened for OSA and those with OSA (AHI > 10) were advised to use CPAP. Those who accepted CPAP were compared with those who refused in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), daytime systolic blood pressure and heart rate after 3 months. The hospital stay for heart failure 6 months before and after enrollment were also compared. Outcomes were defined as the between groups difference from baseline measurements and those recorded at 3 months. Results: 15 patients in no-CPAP group and 15 in CPAP group were analyzed. In no-CPAP group, there were no significant changes in LVEF, daytime systolic blood pressure or heart rate. In contrast, CPAP increased the LVEF from a mean of 34.9 to 50.5% (p = 0.0002), decreased daytime blood pressure from a mean of 138.2 to 124.4 mmHg (p = 0.049); decreased heart rate from a mean of 88.1 to 77.1 beats per minute (p = 0.048). The total hospital stay (over 6 months) in no-CPAP group before and after enrollment were 33 days (6 admissions) and 10 days (1 admission), respectively and that in CPAP group were 88 day (10 admissions) and 0 days. Conclusion: In Chinese patients with heart failure, treatment of coexisting OSA by CPAP improves LEVF, systolic blood pressure and heart rate, and potentially reduces hospital stay.
P305 Familial atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in Newfoundland and Labrador S.K. Chiew1 *, W. Keats2 , K. Hodgkinson3 , S.P. Connors4 . 1 Discipline of Medicine, 2 Division of Cardiology, Discipline of Medicine, 3 Discipline of Genetics, 4 Supervisor, Division of Cardiology, Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), St John’s Health Science Centre (HSC), St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Supra Ventricular Tachycardia (SVT) occurs in approximately 1% of the general population. AtrioVentricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT) is thought to occur in approximately 60% of SVT cases. Typically seen in female and middle age patients. This disorder not traditionally been thought to be familial. However, Hayes et al. 2004 presented the first article to suggest some familial preponderance. Our objective was to screen for the AVNRT populations involving 355 consecutive patients diagnosed at electrophysiology study between September 1999 and February 2007. Upon approval of Human Investigation Committee (HIC) in the St John’s HSC, 353 questionnaires were sent to the AVNRT patients. 2 patients were excluded (1 patient from St Pierre and 1 patient with the mismatched of MCP number and name), of the 353 patients, 92 males and 261 females, mean age 47.5 years old. Youngest patient is 8 years old and oldest patient is 83 years old. Majority of patients within the 31 to 60 age group and female continues to be the dominant group.
229 questionnaires were received within 6 weeks including 10 questionnaires undelivered. Among the 219 completed questionnaires, 101 patients had a family history of palpitation. Of the 101 with a positive family history of palpitations, 12 families were identified with electrophysiology proven AVNRT. All AVNRT family members were diagnosed in St John’s except 1 family with 2 sisters diagnosed and treated with ablation in Quebec. From our analysis of all patients with electrophysiology study in Newfoundland and Labrador for AVNRT, there exist some families in whom this arrhythmia appears to be genetic. Further study will allow true nature of this transmission to be explored. P306 A novel method to enhance sublingual delivery of compounds for rapid action: application to propranolol Y.F. Wang, X. Chen, Z. Zuo, B. Tomlinson, M.S.S. Chow *. The Drug Development Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China Objective: The purpose of the present work is to describe a new technique to enhance solubility of weak base compounds to in improving sublingual absorption to achieve rapid plasma drug concentrations without the need of injection. Method: A theoretical and experimental approach to obtain optimal pH (pHmax) that allows maximum solubility of both ionized and unionized species of a given weak base compound is derived and then applied to propranolol, a representative weak base compound. The ability of pHmax in achieving enhanced propranolol transport across mucosal membrane and epithelial cell line were validated by in vitro studies. Subsequently a special buffered propranolol tablet targeted to achieve its pHmax in saliva when administered sublingually was evaluated in a crossover manner with a marketed product (Inderal) not achieving pHmax. Following their sublingual administration (for 15 min then swallowing of saliva containing the remaining dissolved propranolol) in 8 healthy subjects, multiple plasma propranolol concentrations (PPC) were obtained. PPC were determined by HPLC. Results: The pHmax targeted propranolol achieved significantly higher PPC early on when compared to Inderal, with mean time to achieve effective PPC being 8±7 vs 39±20 min for the 2 respective products (p < 0.01). The total area under PPC curve over 8 hours and terminal half-life were not significantly different. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the application of the pHmax concept in enhancing rapid sublingual propranolol absorption. Such a product may provide a convenient and useful therapeutic approach in the management of certain acute conditions (e. g. anxiety tachycardia) in the ambulatory setting P307 Assessment of myocardial perfusion by myocardial contrast echocardiography with a new computer-aided technique G.Q. Du1 *, J.W. Tian1 , Y.H. Guo3 , M. Ren1 , J.Y. Xue2 , S.Q. Jiang1 , Y. Wang1 , H.M. Wang1 . 1 Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China, 2 Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China, 3 Department of Computer, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China Objective: We aimed to introduce a new computer-aided technique applicable for Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to quantitate automatically calibrated myocardial contrast intensity (CI) and to test the potential of color-coded images of calibrated CI in assessing myocardial perfusion. Methods: There are three experimental groups of anesthetized rabbits, which underwent 15- (Group I), 30- (Group II) and 120- (Group III) min coronary occlusion followed by 30-, 60-, and 60-min reperfusion, respectively. MCE was performed on all rabbits during occlusion and after reperfusion, and its images were analyzed by a new computeraided technique. Myocardial calibrated CI of each segment was measured and a color-coded map was produced automatically by
International Journal of Cardiology 125 (2008) S51–S73 www.elsevier.com/locate/ijcard
Posters P301 The value of testosterone on cardiac function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
P302 Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit atherosclerosis in apoE-null mice through modulation of Th1/Th2 balance
T. Abdullaev *, B. Mardanov, N. Kurbanov. The Republican Specialized Center of Cardiology, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Y. Chen *, X. Cheng, J.J. Xie, R. Yao, X. Yu, Y.J. Ding, T.T. Tang, Y.H. Liao. Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Aim: To studying of a condition of sex hormones (testosterone) and erectile function in interrelation with parameters of haemodynamics at men with dilated cardiomyopathy (DC). Methods: We studied 16 patients with DC, omplicated by CHF in the age from 23 to 62 years (41.4±2.5 y, NYHA functional class III (68.7%), IV (31.3%). By all patient were made ECG, EchoCG, Holter ECG with definition of frequency and character of VE, chest X-ray with definition of cardiothoracal index (CI), definition of plasma concentration of testosterone (T). We are also studied the degree erectile dysfunction (ED) applying of IIEF-5 questionnaire. 5 (31.2%) patients have the II degree of CI expansion, and 11 (68.8%) – III degree. Results: At 7 (43.7%) patients are revealed reduction T level in plasma (mean 2.24±0.25 ng/ml). 4 (25%) patients are have approximately reduction of T level, not peculiar for their age (mean 4.38±0.17 ng/ml). The concentration of plasma T of the others of 5 patients were within the limits of normal values. On the sum of the typed points on IIEF-5 questionnaire at patients with low level of T we observed no statistical significant increase of a ED degree, concerning patients with normal maintenance of T in plasma (accordingly 11.1±4.14 and 12.3±1.53 points, P > 0.1). It is necessary to note, that the patients of both groups are have II (moderate) degree of ED. At the analysis of interrelation between T concentration, results of IIEF5 questionnaire and parameters of cardiac function it is revealed, that in group of patients with low and rather low levels of T it is determined significant increasing of LV ESD on 19.7% (7.1±0.26 and 5.7±0.1 cm, P < 0.001), LV EDD – on 13.2% (8.24±0.25 and 7.15±0.2 cm, P < 0.01) in comparison patients with normal levels of plasma T, accompanying also significant reduction of LV EF by 27.2% (28.9±1.6 and 39.7±1.2%, P < 0.001). Statistical significant correlation was not observed at comparison of the others parameters, such as E/A, right ventrycle, right and left auricles volumes and frequency and character of VA at the studied patients in association with T plasma concentration. Conclusions: Thus, the majority of the studied men are have attributes of hypogonadism, or relative reduction in a level of plasma T, accompanying with the ED, that correlates with changes of volumetric parameters of LV and its systolic dysfunction.
Object: We undertook this study to determine whether suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) expressing TTAGGG motif alter the development of atherosclerosis and the mechanism of it. Methods: Eight-week-old apoE−/ − were injected with 300 mg ODN A151 (TTAGGG) or nonspecific ODN 1612 in 300 ml of PBS every other week, and the control group were treated with 300 ml of PBS. To age of 23 weeks, we analyzed the area of atherosclerotic plaque and detected IFNg+ CD4+ /IL-4+ CD4+ of spleen cells. Results: ODN A151 but not ODN 1612 significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size by 47% (8.2±5.9% vs. 15.6±6.2%, P < 0.05), also inhibited Th1 (6.0±2.0% vs. 4.1±1.7%, P < 0.05) and skewed Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2 inflammation (8.1±4.2 vs. 4.6±2.3, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Suppressive ODN inhibited the development of atherosclerosis through modulation of Th1/Th2 balance.
P303 Effects of estradiol on peripheral blood stem cells and myocardial angiogenesis in rats with myocardial infarction Y.C. Chen *, X. Jin, W.Q. Liu, Z. Zhi. Division of Cardiology, West China Hospital, SiChuan University, ChengDu, Sichuan Province, China Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of estradiol on peripheral blood stem cells and myocardial angiogenesis in rats after myocardial infarction. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized, and then left anterior descending coronary arteries were ligated to introduced acute myocardial infaction (AMI). The rats were randomized into 4 groups: ovariectomized myocardial infarction group (OMI), estrogen physiological dose therapy group (EPT), estrogen high dose therapy group (EHT), estrogen replacement therapy group (ERT). They were treated with saline or different doses of Oestradiol Benzoate by intramuscular injection. CD34+ cells in myocardium on 24 h later after AMI were detected by Immunohistochemistry. CD34+ cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry on 1, 3, 7 days after AMI, the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in myocardium on 1, 3, 7 days after AMI and microvascular density in myocardium at 28 days after AMI was evaluated by Immunohistochemistry. Results: CD34+ cells in peripheral blood and myocardium, the expression of SDF-1 and microvascular density at 4 weeks later after AMI in ovariectomized rats were obviously lower than in ovary intact rats. However, after administration with different doses of estrogen, CD34+ cells in peripheral blood and myocardium, the expression of SDF-1 and microvascular density in myocardium were increased in
0167-5273/ $ – see front matter © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
S52
Posters / International Journal of Cardiology 125 Suppl. 1 (2008) S51–S73
ovariectomized rats with AMI, this effect was strongest especially in estrogen replacement therapy group. Conclusion: Replacement with estradiol in ovariectomized rats with AMI can improve the mobilization and homing of bone marrow stem cells into myocardium and accentuates myocardial angiogenesis after AMI, this effect may be mediated by promotion of expression of SDF-1 in myocardium after myocardial infarction.
P304 Cardiovascular effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in Chinese patients with both heart failure and obstructive sleep apnoea J. Cheung *. Medical & Geriatrics Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not uncommon in patients with heart failure. This study aims to assess the cardiovascular effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in Chinese patients with both heart failure and OSA. Methods: Patients with age less than 70 undergoing medical therapy for heart failure (with LVEF < 50% and NYHA class at least 2) were screened for OSA and those with OSA (AHI > 10) were advised to use CPAP. Those who accepted CPAP were compared with those who refused in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), daytime systolic blood pressure and heart rate after 3 months. The hospital stay for heart failure 6 months before and after enrollment were also compared. Outcomes were defined as the between groups difference from baseline measurements and those recorded at 3 months. Results: 15 patients in no-CPAP group and 15 in CPAP group were analyzed. In no-CPAP group, there were no significant changes in LVEF, daytime systolic blood pressure or heart rate. In contrast, CPAP increased the LVEF from a mean of 34.9 to 50.5% (p = 0.0002), decreased daytime blood pressure from a mean of 138.2 to 124.4 mmHg (p = 0.049); decreased heart rate from a mean of 88.1 to 77.1 beats per minute (p = 0.048). The total hospital stay (over 6 months) in no-CPAP group before and after enrollment were 33 days (6 admissions) and 10 days (1 admission), respectively and that in CPAP group were 88 day (10 admissions) and 0 days. Conclusion: In Chinese patients with heart failure, treatment of coexisting OSA by CPAP improves LEVF, systolic blood pressure and heart rate, and potentially reduces hospital stay.
P305 Familial atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in Newfoundland and Labrador S.K. Chiew1 *, W. Keats2 , K. Hodgkinson3 , S.P. Connors4 . 1 Discipline of Medicine, 2 Division of Cardiology, Discipline of Medicine, 3 Discipline of Genetics, 4 Supervisor, Division of Cardiology, Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), St John’s Health Science Centre (HSC), St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Supra Ventricular Tachycardia (SVT) occurs in approximately 1% of the general population. AtrioVentricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT) is thought to occur in approximately 60% of SVT cases. Typically seen in female and middle age patients. This disorder not traditionally been thought to be familial. However, Hayes et al. 2004 presented the first article to suggest some familial preponderance. Our objective was to screen for the AVNRT populations involving 355 consecutive patients diagnosed at electrophysiology study between September 1999 and February 2007. Upon approval of Human Investigation Committee (HIC) in the St John’s HSC, 353 questionnaires were sent to the AVNRT patients. 2 patients were excluded (1 patient from St Pierre and 1 patient with the mismatched of MCP number and name), of the 353 patients, 92 males and 261 females, mean age 47.5 years old. Youngest patient is 8 years old and oldest patient is 83 years old. Majority of patients within the 31 to 60 age group and female continues to be the dominant group.
229 questionnaires were received within 6 weeks including 10 questionnaires undelivered. Among the 219 completed questionnaires, 101 patients had a family history of palpitation. Of the 101 with a positive family history of palpitations, 12 families were identified with electrophysiology proven AVNRT. All AVNRT family members were diagnosed in St John’s except 1 family with 2 sisters diagnosed and treated with ablation in Quebec. From our analysis of all patients with electrophysiology study in Newfoundland and Labrador for AVNRT, there exist some families in whom this arrhythmia appears to be genetic. Further study will allow true nature of this transmission to be explored. P306 A novel method to enhance sublingual delivery of compounds for rapid action: application to propranolol Y.F. Wang, X. Chen, Z. Zuo, B. Tomlinson, M.S.S. Chow *. The Drug Development Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China Objective: The purpose of the present work is to describe a new technique to enhance solubility of weak base compounds to in improving sublingual absorption to achieve rapid plasma drug concentrations without the need of injection. Method: A theoretical and experimental approach to obtain optimal pH (pHmax) that allows maximum solubility of both ionized and unionized species of a given weak base compound is derived and then applied to propranolol, a representative weak base compound. The ability of pHmax in achieving enhanced propranolol transport across mucosal membrane and epithelial cell line were validated by in vitro studies. Subsequently a special buffered propranolol tablet targeted to achieve its pHmax in saliva when administered sublingually was evaluated in a crossover manner with a marketed product (Inderal) not achieving pHmax. Following their sublingual administration (for 15 min then swallowing of saliva containing the remaining dissolved propranolol) in 8 healthy subjects, multiple plasma propranolol concentrations (PPC) were obtained. PPC were determined by HPLC. Results: The pHmax targeted propranolol achieved significantly higher PPC early on when compared to Inderal, with mean time to achieve effective PPC being 8±7 vs 39±20 min for the 2 respective products (p < 0.01). The total area under PPC curve over 8 hours and terminal half-life were not significantly different. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the application of the pHmax concept in enhancing rapid sublingual propranolol absorption. Such a product may provide a convenient and useful therapeutic approach in the management of certain acute conditions (e. g. anxiety tachycardia) in the ambulatory setting P307 Assessment of myocardial perfusion by myocardial contrast echocardiography with a new computer-aided technique G.Q. Du1 *, J.W. Tian1 , Y.H. Guo3 , M. Ren1 , J.Y. Xue2 , S.Q. Jiang1 , Y. Wang1 , H.M. Wang1 . 1 Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China, 2 Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China, 3 Department of Computer, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China Objective: We aimed to introduce a new computer-aided technique applicable for Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to quantitate automatically calibrated myocardial contrast intensity (CI) and to test the potential of color-coded images of calibrated CI in assessing myocardial perfusion. Methods: There are three experimental groups of anesthetized rabbits, which underwent 15- (Group I), 30- (Group II) and 120- (Group III) min coronary occlusion followed by 30-, 60-, and 60-min reperfusion, respectively. MCE was performed on all rabbits during occlusion and after reperfusion, and its images were analyzed by a new computeraided technique. Myocardial calibrated CI of each segment was measured and a color-coded map was produced automatically by