Effect of alpha-tocopherol on the cardiotoxicity of adriamycin in the rat.

Adriamycin (ADR)-induced cardiomyopathy was studied in a rat model by means of electrocardiograms (ECGs), light microscopy, and determination of heart weight. Pretreatment with D-alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) 24 hours prior to a high dose of ADR diminishes cardiotoxic effects, as judged by ECG changes, decreases in heart weight, and histologic changes. The response of an acute myeloid leukemia in a rat model to ADR was not affected by this pretreatment. The results provide evidence that alpha-T might be used to improve the therapeutic index of ADR.