This study of distribution of the left coronary artery (LCA) in the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops sabeus) was undertaken in order to determine the coronary artery epicardial network of this terrestrial primate. Insufficient data about these characteristics of LCA is a serious obstacle for widespread use of this species for experimental purposes. A total of 55 hearts from adult monkeys of both sexes (35 females and 25 males) was examined. These hearts were divided into two groups: group A corrosive heart specimens and group B- specimens prepared for micro dissection The blood supply of the Cercopithecus heart is obtaine through two arteries (98%), the left and right coronary artery which originated from corresponding aortic sinuses at the angles characteristic for human coronary arteries. The left coronary artery of Cercopithecus terminated by bifurcation into the ramus interventricularis arterior (RIA) and circumflex artery (RCx). It was possible, as in the human heart, to detect the short (58%) and long (42%) type of circumflex branch. In 24% of cases LCA terminated by trifurcation giving RIA, RCx and RMS (ramus marginalis sinister). RIA had greater caliber than RCx in 58% of cases, whereas both arteries were of equal caliber in 16% and RCx was larger than RIA in 25% of cases. The branch for the sinuatrial node arose from LCA in 14.5% of cases and from RCx in 63.3%. RCx most frequently terminated (56.3%) as a posterior left ventricular branch, less frequently (38.3%) as a posterior interventricular branch, rarely (3.6%) as a posterior right ventricular branch and exceptionally (1.8%) as a left marginal branch. The results of our research clearly suggest great resemblance of the morphology of the left coronary artery distribution in humans and Cercopithecus. Therefore this terrestrial primate can be used as an adequate experimental model for functional studies of the cardiovascular system

Myocardial contrast echocardiography is a valuable technique for demonstration and delineation of regions of myocardial underperfusion secondary to coronary occlusion and/or significant coronary stenosis. Various contrast materials have been used. The aim of this study was to determine whether myocardial contrast echocardiography by the original contrast agent AQ-DDT (albumin based), produced in the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade can be used in the detection and quantification of regions of myocardial perfusion defects. In 14 adult open chest dogs the perfusion defect was produced by selective coronary ligations (30 seconds) and was observed with epicardial contrast two-dimensional echocardiography. For administration of contrast a modified pigtail catheter was positioned in the aorta just above the aortic valves. In this way the perfusion regions of the left main and right coronary artery were included. The left anterior descending and left circumflex artery could not be selectively injected with contrast agent and their individual perfusion areas were not clearly demonstrated. In all cases contrast echocardiography images of the left ventricle were obtained in a short-axis cross-sectional view at the mid-papillary muscle level. Forty-two injections of AQ-DDT for perfusion analysis were done, and were recorded on a VHS recorder. Quantification of the quality in demonstrating myocardial perfusion was scored as good, poor or without visual echocardiographic effect, by an investigator experienced in echocardiography, immediately and one month later. There was 100% agreement in the scoring. Our results indicated that agent AQ-DDT produces a good contrast effect (echocardiography visualization) in dogs and has the potential to demonstrate regional perfusion defects of the myocardium. Its potential role in human medicine, for diagnosis and evaluation of the results of interventional therapy, especially during aortocoronary bypass graft surgery, should be evaluated

Myocardial dissynergy and arrhythmia were compared as consequences of reperfusion after controlled ischemia (ligature of the left coronary artery) in fourteen dogs. Echocardiographic contrast agent administered in the aorta and two-dimensional echocardiography enabled images of the perfusion area. Reperfusion was established after 1,2,5,10 and 15 min, and we analyzed the establishment of segmental wall motion (by echocardiography) and the appearance of reperfusion arrhythmias. After occlusion of the left coronary artery, the period for establishment of blood flow was on average, 1.24±0.4 min. When establishment of the coronary flow was accompanied by reperfusion arrhythmias, these developed on average 6.44_2.3 min. after reperfusion minimally 2 min. and maximally 15 min from the end of interruption of the circulation. The establishment of ischemic region motion showed the slowest recovery (12.26_4.4 min). Wall motion of the left ventricle after the short term of occlusion (1.0 min) appeared immediately after the establishment of blood flow. When the period of occlusion was longer (15 min), wall motion was achieved half an hour after reperfusion commenced (33.7 min). Left ventricle wall motion abnormalities are, in most cases, a sign of coronary circulation damage, they appear as a first manifestation of ischemia, but they recover slowest after reperfusion is established. Reperfusion arrhythmias do not always follow reperfusion, and if present, appear before left ventricle segmental wall motion is established