Beyond its immunosuppressive properties, ciclosporine A (CsA) can also inhibit the opening of
a mitochondrial mega-channel called the permeability transition pore (mPTP). Opening of the
mPTP plays a key role in cardiomyocyte death during reperfusion following a prolonged
ischemic insult. Ciclosporin A has been shown to reduce infarct size when administered at
reperfusion in experimental models. The objective of the present study is to determine
whether administration of CsA at reperfusion in patients with ongoing acute myocardial
infarction treated by coronary angioplasty might reduce infarct size.