However, pre- and co-treatment of ISO-administered rats with SCA at 05 or 10 mg/kg body weight for 20 consecutive days resulted in a significant decrease in myocardial infarct size, heart-to-body weight ratio and serum levels CK-MB, cTnI and BNP as an indication of cardioprotective effect of SCA. The gene discussed is TNNI3; the disease is autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia.