Effects of cardiomyopeptidin on sodium current in ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs

AIM: To determine the effect of cardiomyopeptidin on sodium current (I_Na) in ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs and to explore the mechanism of cardiomyopeptidin action at the ionic channel level. METHODS: Single ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs were obtained by enzymatic dissociation method. The whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique was used to record the change of I_Na. RESULTS: Cardiomyopeptidin (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg/L) decreased I_Na in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition rates were (0±1)%, (6±2)%, (10±2)%, (15±1)%, (22±9)% and (30±6)%, respectively. The time to peak (TTP) was delayed from (2.8±0.7) ms to (3.0±0.8) ms (P<0.05) by cardiomyopeptidin (50 mg/L). In the presence of cardiomyopeptidin (50 mg/L), the current density-voltage curve of I_Na was shifted and without change of its active potential, peak potential, reversal potential, and the shape of the curve. The steady activation curve, the steady inactivation curve and the steady inactivation recovery curve of I_Na were not affected. CONCLUSION: Cardiomyopeptidin inhibits the I_Na in guinea pig ventricular myocytes, which may be one of the mechanisms of its antiarrhythmic effect.     

Effect of tachykinin on cough response in an ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pig model

AIM: To investigate the role of tachykinin in airway in cough response in guinea pigs sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. METHODS: 20 normal and 20 sensitized guinea pigs were challenged with the aerosol of ovalbumin. twenty-four hours later, cough response to inhaled capsaicin was measured after the normal and sensitized guinea pigs (10 of each) introperitoneally injected either with 0.1 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg of NK1 antagonist SR140333 or NK2 antagonist SR48968, respectively. Specific airway resistance was recorded with noninvasive technique. RESULTS: Cough response increased in sensitized guinea pigs compared with control ［(19.5±5.7） times/3 min vs （9.3±1.2） times/3 min, P<0.05］. SR48968FR decreased the cough response by 30% in control guinea pigs (P<0.05), but SR140333 did not. Both prevented an increase in airway resistance after the inhalation of capsaicin. However, SR48968FR and SR140333 inhibited increased cough response ［(9.9±4.7） times/3 min, （8.0±1.6） times/3 min, P<0.05］ and airway resistance induced by the inhalation of capsaicin. CONCLUSION: Neurokinin (NK) antagonist inhibits increased cough response in guinea pigs sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Tachykinin may be an important mediator in cough associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation.     

Phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor attenuates cough response in a sensitized guinea pig model

AIM: To investigate the effects of selective phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor olprinone on cough response in guinea pigs sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin.METHODS: Forty sensitized guinea pigs were randomly divided into control (n=10), challenged (n=10), olprinone (n=10) and aminophylline group (n=10). Two hours after challenged with the aerosol of 1% ovalbumin or saline, animals were intraperitoneally injected either with saline, 25 mg/kg of olprinone or 25 mg/kg aminophylline. At 24 h, the injection was repeated with 2.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg olprinone or 2.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg aminophylline respectively in olprinone and aminophylline group, cough response to inhaled capsaicin and airway responsiveness to methacholine (PC150) were measured. Then, total cell number and differential counts were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. RESULTS: The cough frequency was (5±2) times/3 min in control group and (24±3) times/3 min in challenged group (P<0.05), while PC150 was (659±57) mg/L in control group and (238±67) mg/L in challenged group (P<0.05). 25 mg/kg olprinone significantly inhibited the augmented cough response and airway hyperresponsiveness, the cough frequency and PC150 were (15±2) times/3 min and (580±45) mg/L (P<0.05), which differed significantly from (18±2) times/3 min and (438±52) mg/L in aminophilline group (P<0.05). However, olprinone failed to reverse the elevated total cell number and percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from guinea pigs challenged with ovalbumin (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor attenuates cough response associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation by bronchodilatory effect.     

Effect of platelet activating factor on the action potential and potassium currents in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes

AIM: To investigate the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF) on the action potential and potassium currents in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. METHODS: By using whole-cell patch clamp technique, the effects of PAF on APD₉₀, I_K1 and I_K were investigated in enzymatically dispersed single guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. RESULTS: With 5 mmol/L ATP in the pipette electrode, 1 μmol/L PAF increased APD₉₀ from (225.8±23.3) ms to (352.8±29.8) ms (n=5, P<0.05), decreased I_K1 and I_K tail currents from (-6.1±1.3) nA to (-5.6±1.1) nA (n=5, P<0.05) at -120 mV and from (173.5±16.7) pA to (152.1±11.5) pA (P<0.05, n=4) at +30 mV, respectively. In contract, without ATP in the pipette electrode, 1 μmol/L PAF shortened APD₉₀ from (153.0±24.6) ms to (88.2±19.4) ms (n=5, P<0.01). Incubation of myocytes with 1 μmol/L glibenclamide, a blocker of I_KATP restored prolongation of APD induced by PAF. CONCLUSION: In guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, with 5 mmol/L ATP in the pipette, PAF prolonged APD partly due to the inhibition of I_K and I_K1, while with 0 mmol/L ATP in the pipette, PAF induced an activation of I_KATP, hence a decrease in APD was observed. Therefore, PAF might amplify the heterogeneity between ischemia and normal cardiac myocytes during ischemic reperfusion, which might play a vital role in the pathogenesis of the arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfusion.     

Zacopride enhances inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) to antagonize arrhythmias

AIM: To investigate the effects of zacopride on aconitine or BaCl2-induced arrhythmias and involved ionic mechanisms. METHODS: The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record the inward rectifier K+ current (IK1), Ca+ current (ICa-L), Na+ current (INa), transient outward K+ current (Ito), the resting membrane potential (RMP) and action potential (AP) in the single cell of rat ventricular myocardium. Two arrhythmic models were elicited by injection of 30 μg/kg aconitine or 4 mg/kg BaCl2 intravenously. Zacopride at dose of 15 μg/kg was administered immediately after the development of first sinus rhythm disorders to observe its effects on arrhythmias. The ECGs were recorded simultaneously. RESULTS: In voltage clamp mode, 0.1-10.0 μmol/L zacopride dose-dependently enhanced IK1 with no significant effects on ICa-L, INa and Ito (P>0.05). Zacopride at concentration of 1.0 μmol/L showed the most potent activity on IK1 with approximately 30% increment both in inward current and outward current (P<0.01). Correspondingly, 0.1-10.0 μmol/L zacopride hyperpolarized RMP and shortened the action potential duration (APD) in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). Furthermore, 1.0 μmol/L zacopride abolished aconitine-induced delayed afterdepolarization (DAD) and triggered activity (TA). In vivo, zacopride (15 μg/kg) significantly shortened the duration of arrhythmias elicited by aconitine ［from (57.58±3.21) min to (38.25±2.59) min］ or BaCl2 ［from (49.31±2.46) min to (30.94±1.73) min］. CONCLUSION: As an agonist of IK1, zacopride enhanced IK1, hyperpolarized RMP and shortened APD, which may be the fundamental mechanisms underlying its antiarrhythmic effect. Enhancing IK1 might be a new antiarrhythmic strategy.     

Genes expression and electrophysiological characterization of ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes

AIM: To study the expression of αMHC, Anf, MLC2v genes and characterization of electrophysiology of cardiomyocytes derived from murine transgenic PαMHC-EGFP embryonic stem cells in vitro. METHODS: At 0 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 10 d, 14 d, gene expression profiles of αMHC, Anf, MLC2v were made by RT-PCR and electrophysiology profiles were made by patch clamp analysis in cardiomyocytes. RESULTS: EGFP positive clusters of cells were first observed as early as 7 d and 8 d of development. αMHC gene expressed at 7 days of EB, and was enhanced at 10 d and 14 d (P<0.05). Anf and MLC2v gene expressed in cardiomyocytes at 10 d and 14 d. Patch clamp experiments showed that ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes in early stage comprised the different cardiac subtypes. 73.5% (n=34) of EGFP positive beating cardiomyocytes displayed atrial-like ［APD90=（78.4±3.1）ms］, 20.5% of those cells displayed pacemaker-like ［APD90=（112.6±5.5）ms, n=7］, only one cell displayed (APD90=200 ms) ventricular-like. CONCLUSION: αMHC, Anf, MLC2v genes expressed in the cardiomyocytes during early stages of development. Therefore, αMHC, Anf, MLC2v could be used as marker genes for developing chamber myocardial cells in vitro.     

Effect of hypercholesterolemia on the ionic currents in cardiac ventricular myocytes of rats

AIM: To determine whether chronic hypercholesterolemia affects ionic currents on cardiac ventricular myocytes of rats. METHODS: Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record the ionic currents in single cardiac myocytes isolated from normal cholesterolemia and hypercholesterolemia rats. RESULTS: In the hypercholesterol group (group Ⅱ), serum total-cholesterol level was significantly higher than that of normal group (group Ⅰ) ［(3.10±0.62)mmol·L-1 vs (1.18±0.37)mmol·L-1, P<0.01, n=20］. The serum triglyceride content of group II was remarkably higher than that of group Ⅰ ［(1.51±0.30)mmol·L-1 vs (0.43±0.15)mmol·L-1, P<0.01, n=20］. In ventricular myocytes of rats, 50% repolarization of action potential duration (APD50) prolonged from (70.86±8.12)ms (group Ⅰ) to (116.16±6.90)ms (group Ⅱ) (n=10 in each group, P<0.01); APD90 prolonged from (95.10±7.27)ms (group Ⅰ) to (144.04±7.39)ms (group Ⅱ) (n=10 in each group, P<0.01); at the test potential of -120 mV, Ik1 increased from (-16.98±4.54) pA/pF(group Ⅰ) to (-19.92±4.08) pA/pF (group Ⅱ) (n=12 in each group, P<0.05); at the test potential of 0 mV, ICa-L decreased from (-8.56±1.29) pA/pF (group Ⅰ) to (-5.24±0.90) pA/pF (group Ⅱ) (n=10 in each group, P<0.01); at the test potential of +60 mV, Ito decreased from (13.20±1.97) pA/pF (group Ⅰ) to (10.30±1.97) pA/pF (group Ⅱ) (n=8 in each group, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypercholesterolemia affects the ionic currents on cardiomyocytes of rats greatly, which may be the ionic mechanism of cardiac toxicity induced by hypercholesterolemia.     

Modulation of interleukin-2 on the positive effect of isoproterenol in the isolated cardiomyocytes

AIM: To explore the effects and mechanism of interleukin-2 (IL-2) on the positive effect of isoproterenol (ISO) in the isolated rat cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Enzymatically isolated cardiomyocytes were used. Peak twitch amplitude and maximal velocity of shortening/relaxation (±dL/dtmax) in the isolated cardiomyocytes were recorded with a microscope coupled to a charge-coupled device camera and ［Ca2+］i transients were determined with a fluorometric ratio method by using Fura-2/AM as Ca2+ indicators. RESULTS: ① ISO increased the peak twitch amplitude and ±dL/dtmax of the isolated cardiomyocytes. Perfusion for 15 min with IL-2 at 2×103 U/L, which had no effect at all, attenuated the enhancing effect of ISO on the peak twitch amplitude and ±dL/dtmax. ② ISO increased the ［Ca2+］i transients of the single ventricular myocytes in a dose dependent manner and the corresponding EC50 values of ISO was (0.12±0.01) μmol/L. Perfusion for 15 min with IL-2 at 2×103 U/L, which had no effect on the ［Ca2+］i transient at all, attenuated the enhancing effect of ISO and the corresponding EC50 was (0.44±0.06) μmol/L. ③ The electrically induced ［Ca2+］i transient was significantly increased by pretreatment with 20 mg/L cholera toxin for 12 h. The elevation of the ［Ca2+］i transient induced by cholera toxin was significantly attenuated by 2×103 U/L IL-2. ④ Forskolin (1 μmol/L), the activator of adenyl cyclase, significantly increased the electrically induced ［Ca2+］i transient, which was attenuated by IL-2 at 2×103 U/L. CONCLUSION: IL-2 inhibits the positive effect of isoproterenol in the isolated single ventricular myocytes, in which Gs protein and adenyl cyclase are involved.     

Mechanism of arrhythmias caused by autoantibodies against β1-adrenoceptors induced by hepatitis B virus in mice

AIM: To investigate the significance of autoantibodies against β1-adrenoceptors induced by hepatitis B virus in the pathogenesis of hepatitis virus myocarditis. METHODS: 30 mice were injected peritoneally with an emulsion of hepatitis B virus and complete Freund's adjuvant every three weeks. The autoantibodies were examined by ELISA, the heart and liver specimens were collected on 56 d for pathological observation and the binding of the autoantibodies to guinea pig cardiac myocytes were examined by immunofluorescence. Using the patch clamp technique, the effects of 1∶50 autoantibodies purified by octanoic acid extraction on the action potential and L type Ca2+ currents of guinea pig cardiac myocytes were also investigated. RESULTS: There was a good correlation between the autoantibodies and hepatitis B virus. Without pathological changes in the heart and liver specimens, 6 mice of the test group manifested bundle branch block, sinus arrest and premature ventricular beat etc, which were positive in the autoantibodies. The specific binding of the autoantibodies of the mice to guinea pig cardiac myocytes was observed. 1∶50 autoantibodies of the mice prolonged APD20, APD50, APD90 by 36.46%, 29.63% and 12.40%, respectively and enhanced L type Ca2+ currents by (49.67±16.01)%. CONCLUSIONS: Autoantibodies against β1-adrenoceptors of the mice induced by hepatitis B virus result in several arrhythmias, which might be mediated by the enhancement of L type Ca2+ currents.     

Effects of mechanical stretch on electrophysiological characteristics of calcium preconditioning myocardium

AIM: To investigate the effects of mechanical stretch under simulated anoxia and reoxygenation conditions on action potential (AP) and effective refractory period (ERP) of calcium preconditioning (CPC) in isolated papillary muscles of guinea pig hearts. METHODS: The intracellular standard glass microelectrode technique was used, and effects of stretch (intensity: 200 mg) on AP and ERP were recorded and observed in CPC papillary muscles. RESULTS: After stretching was implied during anoxia, the reductions of Vmax, RP, APA, APD50, ERP and APD90 in CPC group were less than those in anoxia-reoxygenation (AR) group, and the CT in CPC group was less elongated. Moreover, after the papillary muscles were stretched during reoxygenated reperfusion, the decreases in Vmax, RP, APA, APD50 and ERP in CPC group were less than those in AR group, and the CT and APD90 in CPC group were less extended. Streptomycin inhibited the effect of stretch on AP and ERP in CPC group. CONCLUSIONS: Under simulated anoxia and reoxygenation conditions, papillary muscles in CPC group may have better tolerance to the same stretch than those in the AR. Furthermore, streptomycin (a blockade of stretch-activated ionic channels) may inhibit the effect of mechanical stretch on action potential changes in CPC papillary muscles.     

Effect of captopril on prolongation of action potential duration and reduction Ik in ischemia pig ventricular myocytes

AIM: To evaluate the effect of captopril on action potential duration and outward delayed rectification potassium current (Ik). METHODS: Action potentials were recorded using a conventional glass microelectrode filled with 3 mol/L KCl solution. Membrane patch clamp whole cell recording technique was used to investigate the Ik current maximum in the holding potential -50 mV, lasting time 100 ms, command potential +40 mV. RESULTS: The action potential duration of 30%, 50% repolarization (APD30, APD50) and ERP were significantly prolonged, but APD90 wasn't prolonged significantly when captopril group compared with ischemic group. The amplitude of Ik increased significantly in ischemic group, but significantly decreased in captopril group and in captopril+ischemic group. The shapes of current-voltage relationship were unchanged among groups, but significantly upward in ischemic group and downward in captopril and captopril+ischemic group. CONCLUSION: Captopril exerts electrophysiologic action due to decreasing delay outward rectification potassium current and prolonging action potential duration of APD30, APD50 and ERP.     

Effects of stretch on transient outward potassium and inward rectifier potassium current in cultured neonatal rat atrial myocytes

AIM：To investigate the effects of mechanical stretch on transient outward potassium current (Ito), inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) and action potential duration(APD) of cultured neonatal rat atrial myocytes. METHODS：Neonatal rat atrial myocytes were isolated and cultured on silicone sheeting with or without stretch for 24 h. The silicone membrane area was increased by 12% in stretched group. The cells without stretch served as control. Ito, IK1 and APD were recorded by the technique of whole-cell patch clamp. RESULTS：Compared with control group, Ito density in stretched myocytes was significantly reduced ［(16±04) pA/pF vs (121±29) pA/pF, P<001］, whereas IK1 density was increased ［(-108±08) pA/pF vs (-88±09) pA/pF, P<001］. The APDs at 50% and 90% levels of repolarization (APD50 and APD90) in the stretched cells were obviously decreased than those in non-stretched cells ［(105±14) ms vs (155±24) ms, (300±28) ms vs (563±36) ms, P<001］. CONCLUSION：Stretch stimulation leads to the reduction of Ito density, the increase in IK1 density and the shortness of APD in cultured rat atrial neonatal myocytes, which may contribute to atrial electrical remodeling induced by pressure overload.     

Effects of adiponectin on reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress injury induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes

AIM: To investigate the effects of adiponectin (APN) on hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) induced endoplasmic reticulum stress injury in cultured cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Primary cultured cardiomyocytes were obtained from neonatal rats by enzymatic digestion method. The α-actin expression as molecular marker of the cardiomyocytes was observed by immunocytochemistry. The cells cultured for 72 h were used in the experiment and divided into groups randomly: control group, H/R group, APN+H/R (3 mg/L, 10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L) groups. The morphological changes of the cardiomyocytes were observed under phase contracted microscope. The content of LDH was measured. The cardiomycocyte apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of GRP78 and caspase-12 were examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The apoptotic rate was significantly increased in H/R group as compared to that in control group (68.20%±1.73% vs 0.73%±0.21%, P<0.05). The levels of LDH in H/R group were also significantly increased. Compared to untreated cells, the protein and mRNA levels of GRP78 and caspase-12 increased significantly in H/R cells. The APN preconditioning significantly reversed these changes. The indexes above improved obviously as compared to H/R group (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia/reperfusion induces endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat cardiomyocytes. Adiponectin decreases the endoplasmic reticulum stress injury and plays a protective role by extenuation of cadiomyocyte apoptosis.     

Electrophysiological changes in rat ventricular myocardium at different stages of experimental diabetes

AIM: To explore the probable mechanisms of diabetes-induced arrhythmias. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male SD rats, using a single injection of alloxan into tail vein. Untreated age-matched animals were used as controls. All animals were observed by 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Transmembrane potentials were recorded with conventional glass microelectrodes. RESULTS: Action potential duration(APD) at all level (APD10, APD20, APD30, APD50, APD70, APD90) was significantly lengthened in right ventricular papillary muscle from week 2 of diabetes. At week 8, APD was more lengthened at any level of repolarization than that at week 2. No differences were observed in the maximum rate of depolarization(V_max), overshoot(OS) and action potential amplitude(APA) as well as the resting membrane potential(RP) from the 2th to 8th week of diabetes. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that prolongation of APD may be prominently responsible for the increased incidence of cardiac re-entry-arrhythmias and sudden death, especially at late stages of diabetes.     

Effect of β3-adrenoceptor activation on ventricle fibrillation threshold and effective refractory period in rats with heart failure

AIM: To observe the effect of β₃-adrenoceptor (AR) on ventricle fibrillation threshold (VFT) and effective refractory period (ERP) in rats with heart failure.METHODS: Rats were randomized into control group and heart failure group. The expression of β₃- AR mRNA was detected with RT-PCR. The VFT, ERP, left ventricle end-systolic pressure(LVESP)，left ventricle end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP), +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were measured at the same time with administration of BRL37344 (β₃-AR agonist).RESULTS: ① Both the expression of β₃-AR mRNA and the proportion (β₃/β₁+β₂+β₃) were increased in failure rats comparied with those in control rats (0.028 vs 0.011 and 5.4% vs 1.2%, P<0.05). ② ERP was longer in rats with heart failure than that in control group (70.5 ms±5.5 ms vs 59.5 ms±6.4 ms, P<0.05). No difference in ERP in rats with heart failure was observed before and after administration of BRL37344 (73.0 ms±4.8 ms vs 70.5 ms±5.5 ms, P>0.05). ③ VFT was lower in rats with heart failure than that in control group (10.9 mV±0.8 mV vs 30.5 mV±1.3 mV, P<0.05) and decreased obviously in rats with heart failure after administration of BRL37344 (7.1 mV±0.6 mV vs 10.9 mV±0.8 mV, P<0.05). The decrease in VFT correlated with the effect of LVESP, +dp/dtmax, -dp/dtmax with BRL37344 and the expression of β₃-AR mRNA (correlation coefficient: 0.788, 0.708, 0.759, 0.787; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of β₃-AR mRNA in left ventricle is obviously increased in rats with heart failure. The activation of β₃-AR has no effect on ERP but can decrease VFT which correlates with the effect of β₃-AR on LVESP, +dp/dtmax, -dp/dtmax and the expression of β₃-AR mRNA.     

Effect of L-carnitine on apoptosis and oxidant damage of cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in vitro

AIM: To examine the effects of L-carnitine on apoptosis and oxidant injury in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation and its possible mechanism. METHODS: The cultured cardiomyocytes were divided into three groups， control， A/R group （anoxia for 120 min, reoxygenation for 240 min） and L-carnitine treatment group, in which cells were exposed to 20 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L L-carnitine respectively at 2 h before anoxia. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined, and the apoptosis was determined by flow of cytometry (FCM). In addition, the ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In A/R group, SOD and SDH activities were lower, the apoptosis rate and MDA content were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). In L-carnitine treatment group, SOD and SDH activities were higher, the apoptosis rate and MDA content were lower than those in A/R group, a L-carnitine concentration-dependent effect was found. Moreover, impairment of myocardial ultrastructure was more severe in A/R group than L-carnitine treatment group. CONCLUSION: L-carnitine can protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner.     

Role of ROS/PKC/p38 MAPK pathway in protective effects of polysaccharide from Fructus cornion rat cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury

AIM: To investigate the effect of polysaccharide from Fructus corni(PFC) on cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and its possible relationship with ROS/PKC/p38 MAPK pathway.METHODS: Primary cardiomyocytes were isolated from neonatal SD rats and randomly divided into normal group, H/R group, PFC (20 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L) preconditioning+H/R groups, chelerythrine+PFC (100 mg/L)+H/R group and SB203580+PFC (100 mg/L)+H/R group. The cell viability was measured by inverted microscopic observation. Apoptosis in the cardiomyocytes was detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and fluorescence microscopy. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cell culture supernatants, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells were also measured by microplate reader. The protein levels of PKC, p-p38 MAPK and HSP70 in the cells were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the cell viability and beating frequency were decreased in H/R group. LDH and ROS contents, apoptotic rate and p-p38 MAPK level increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with H/R group, PFC preconditioning increased beating frequency, SOD activity and the protein level of PKC and HSP70, and decreased ROS production, the protein level of p-p38 MAPK and cell apoptotic rate. However, the effect of PFC was inhibited by chelerythrine or SB203580.CONCLUSION: PFC may protect cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. Its mechanism is possibly involved in the inhibition of ROS via increasing the activity of SOD and the activation of PKC, and suppression of excessive activation of p38 MAPK.     

Electrophysiological effects of amiodarone on pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract under conditions of hypoxia,acidosis and treatment with epinephrine

AIM: To study the electrophysiological effects of amiodarone on the pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract under the conditions of hypoxia, acidosis and treatment with epinephrine.METHODS: The action potentials of the pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract were recorded by conventional intracellular microelectrode technique. The effects of amiodarone on the spontaneous slow response potentials were investigated under the conditions of hypoxia, acidosis and treatment with epinephrine.RESULTS: (1) Amiodarone at concentration of 0.1 μmol/L markedly decreased the rate of pacemaker firing (RPF) and maximal diastolic potential (MDP), lengthened 80% of the duration of action potential (APD80). Amiodarone at concentration of 1 μmol/L significantly decreased the velocity of diastolic depolarization (VDD) and RPF, the maximal rate of depolarization (Vmax), MDP and amplitude of action potential (APA), lengthened 50% of the duration of action potential (APD50) and APD80. Amiodarone at concentration of 10 μmol/L led to a significant decrease in VDD and RPF, Vmax, MDP and APA, a notable lengthening in APD50 and APD80 was also observed. (2) Under the condition of hypoxia and perfusion with deprived glucose content for 15 min, VDD, RPF, MDP, Vmax and APA decreased significantly, APD50 was shortened notably. Under the condition of hypoxia, amiodarone at concentration of 1 μmol/L significantly decreased VDD, RPF and Vmax, increased MDP, lengthened APD50 and APD80 as compared to the cells treated with hypoxia only. (3) Perfusion with pH 6.8 solution for 10 min, VDD and RPF significantly decreased, Vmax and APA notably reduced, APD80 was markedly shortened. Under the condition of acidosis for 10 min, amiodarone significantly decreased VDD, RPF, MDP and APA, lengthened APD50 and APD80 as compared to the cells under the condition of acidosis only. (4) Perfusion of epinephrine at concentration of 10 μmol/L for 10 min resulted in a significant increase in VDD, RPF, Vmax, MDP and APA, a notable shorting in APD50 and APD80 was also observed. Compared to 10 μmol/L epinephrine group, 1 μmol/L amiodarone+10 μmol/L epinephrine significantly reduced VDD, RPF, Vmax, MDP and APA, lengthened APD50 and APD80.CONCLUSION: Amiodarone markedly decreases the autorhythmicity of the pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract. This electrophysiological effects were significantly influenced by hypoxia, acidosis and epinephrine.     

Effects of M. vaccae on eosinophil apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein expression in lung tissues of asthmatic guinea pigs

AIM: To study the effects of M. vaccae on eosinophil apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein expression in lung tissues of asthmatic guinea pigs. METHODS: 30 guinea pigs were divided into normal saline (NS) group, asthma group and M. vaccae treatment group at random, every group included 10 guinea pigs. Guinea pigs in M. vaccae treatment group were injected intramuscularly with 22.5 μg M. vaccae 10 days before OVA immunization. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique was used to investigate the apoptosis of eosinophils and immunohistochemistry method was used to study the expression of Bcl-2 protein in lung tissues. RESULTS: The apoptosis index (AI) of eosinophils in lung tissues in M. vaccae treatment group was significant higher than that in asthma group ［(23.78±5.42)% vs (4.56±0.68)%, P<0.01］. The mean optical density value of Bcl-2 protein in lung tissues of M. vaccae treatment group was significant lower than that of asthma group ［(1 556.3±492.4) vs (2 321.9±751.2), P<0.05］. CONCLUSION: The apoptosis of eosinophils induced by M. vaccae in lung tissues of asthmatic guinea pigs may be due to the inhibition of Bcl-2 protein expression.