Protective effect of aprotinin pretreatment was assessed by functional, biochemical and morphological preservation in four hour global ischemia followed by one hour reperfusion in dogs. Cardioplegia was induced by intermittent infusion of cold Mg-lidocaine solution. Aprotinin 10,000 KIU/kg was given in low dose group (8 dogs), and 20,000 KIU/kg in high dose group (6 dogs); one half was given before ischemia and another half during ischemia. Betamethasone, coenzyme Q and nifedipine were also given equally in both groups before ischemia. Results were as follows: 1. Four (50%) of low dose group and all of high dose group were successfully taken off CPB and survived for one hour reperfusion. 2. High dose group showed significantly higher blood pressure and LVSWI than low dose group after one hour reperfusion (p less than 0.05). 3. Serum N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase showed the significantly lower activity in high dose group than in low dose group after one hour reperfusion (p less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in the activities of serum beta-glucuronidase and MB-creatine kinase. 4. Myocardial tissues, excised after one hour reperfusion, contained significantly higher creatine phosphate in high dose group than in low dose group (p less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in the contents of adenosine triphosphate, calcium and water. 5. Severely injured mitochondrion were significantly lesser in high dose group than in low dose group. All lysosomes showed mild swelling or enlargement, but those membranous structures were well-preserved in both groups. In conclusion, aprotinin pretreatment might be effective in myocardial protection against prolonged global ischemia, by inhibiting the "leak out" of lysosomal enzymes.