The effect of ICRF 159 on adriamycin (ADR) cardiotoxicity and on total myocardial calcium content was examined in rats. ICRF 159 did not increase the survival time of ADR-treated animals; however the histological findings showed a significant prevention of ADR-induced cardiomyopathy (CMP) by ICRF. The total myocardial calcium content of animals treated with ADR was significantly higher, while no significant difference was seen in animals pretreated with ICRF 159 as compared with controls. As these findings suggested a role of calcium in ADR CMP and in the pharmacological action of ICRF in this disease, we also tested a closely related chelating agent, EDTA. This molecule decreased myocardial calcium levels in ADR-treated animals almost to normal values; however the histological cardiac alterations were not prevented.
