Effect of breviscapin on Ito and IK1 channel current in isolated ventricular myocytes of rats

AIM: The effects of breviscapin on transient outward potassium current (I_to) and inward rectifier potassium current (I_K1) channel in isolated ventricular myocytes of rats were determined. The mechanism of breviscapin at the ionic channel level was explored. METHODS: Single ventricular myocyte of rats was isolated by enzymatic dissociation. The whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique was used to record the change of I_to and I_K1 channel current influenced by breviscapin. RESULTS: Breviscapin decreased the I_to channel current in a dose-dependent and voltage-dependent manner in ventricular myocytes of rats. (1) The current-voltage curve was significantly decreased. Breviscapin at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.10 g·L^-1 respectively decreased I_to current density (10.07±0.50)%, (27.47±2.36)%, (42.72%±2.50)% and (56.09±5.60)%. I_to was inhibited in a voltage-dependent manner, showing a significant attenuating effect at test potentials from 0 to + 50 mV. (2) The I_to activation curve, the activation curve and the recovery curve were not altered. (3) Breviscapin did not affect I_K1. CONCLUSION: Breviscapin concentration-dependently decreases I_to channel current in ventricular myocytes of rat.     

Effects of resveratrol on the L-type calcium current by protein kinase G pathway in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes

AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on the L-type calcium current in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. METHODS: The whole cell patch clamp method was used. RESULTS: （1）Resveratrol (1, 50, 100 μmol/L) reduced the I_Ca-L by 18.31%±3.15%, 56.20%±2.50% and 84.51%±4.01% in a concentration-dependent manner (n=5, P<0.05). But it has no change on I-V shape of I_Ca-L. (2) 8Br-cGMP (100 μmol/L), an activator of protein kinase G(PKG), deduced the density of I_Ca-L by 10.50%±1.11%. Applying resveratrol and 8Br-cGMP simultaneously decreased the I_Ca-L significantly by 87.58%±3.49％ (n=6, P<0.05). (3) 5 μmol/L H8, a PKG inhibitor, inhibited the decrease in I_Ca-L caused by resveratrol. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol inhibits I_Ca-L in guinea pig ventricular myocytes, and this inhibitory effect involves the PKG pathway.     

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.     

Changes of potassium currents in rabbit ventricle with healed myocardial infarction

AIM: To elucidate the mechanism of arrhythmia in healed myocardial infarction (HMI), and to investigate the changes of action potential duration (APD),transient outward potassium current (I_to), delayed rectifier potassium current (I_K) and inward rectifier potassium current (I_K1) of left ventricular myocytes in noninfarcted zone of HMI. METHODS: 12 rabbits were randomly assigned in two groups: HMI group (thoracotomy and ligation of the circumflex coronary); sham-operated group (thoracotomy but no conorary ligation). 3 months after operation, whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record APD, I_to, I_K and I_K1 of ventricular myocytes in non-infarcted zone. RESULTS: Membrane capacitance was larger in HMI group than that in sham-operated group. Action potential duration was lengthened significantly in HMI group and early after depolarization (EAD) appeared in HMI group. The densities of I_to, I_K,tail and I_K1 were reduced significantly in HMI group (P<0.01), from (6.72±0.42) pA/pF, (1.54±0.13) pA/pF and (25.6±2.6) pA/pF in Sham-operated group to (4.03±0.33) pA/pF, (1.14±0.11) pA/pF and (17.6±2.3) pA/pF, respectively. CONCLUSION: The reduced densities of I_to, I_K,tail and I_K1 in ventricular myocytes of non-infarcted zone in HMI are responsible for the prolongation of APD and the presentation of EAD, which play important roles in the malignant arrhythmia of HMI.     

Mechanisms of PGF2α on the glucose-induced insulin secretion in NIT-1β cells

AIM:To investigate the cellular mechanisms by which PGF₂α promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in NIT-1 beta cells. METHODS:Using the radioimmunoassay (RIA), the amount of the PGF₂α augmentation of glucose stimulated insulin secession was determined in different conditions, and the confocal laser scanning methods by Fluo-3AM as a fluorescent probe were used to analyze the changes of intracellular calcium in NIT-1β cells. RESULTS:At the lower glucose (0, 5.5 mmol/L), PGF₂α (5 μmol/L) failed to potentiate insulin secretion (P>0.05). However, in the presence of 16.5 mmol/L glucose, PGF₂α increased significantly in insulin secretion (P<0.05). Neither the AC inhibitor ddA nor the GC inhibitor Ly-83583 altered PGF₂α-potentiated insulin secretion in the presence of 16.5 mmol/L (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Otherwise, the PLC inhibitor U-73122 and the PKC blocker calphostin C both counteracted the insulinotropic of PGF₂α (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Moreover, exposure of the NIT-1β cells to 5 μmol/L PGF₂α induced a rapid increase of intracellular calcium (P<0.01). The inhibitor, ddA or Ly-83583 had no impact on PGF₂α-induced elevation of the intracellular calcium (P<0.01). Pretreatment of the cells with U-73122 completely prevented the calcium response induced by PGF₂α (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Efects of PGF₂α was independent of cAMP or cGMP, potentiated glucose (16.5 mmol/L)-induced insulin secretion in NIT-1β cells through stimulation of phospholipase C, which subsequently mediated the elevation of intracellular calcium and activation of protein kinase C.     

Vasodilatatory effect and mechanism of CH2Cl2 extract of flos magnoliae on isolated rat thoracic aorta

AIM: To characterize the vasodilatatory effect of CH₂Cl₂ extract of flos magnoliae (CEF) on isolated rat thoracic aorta and to elucidate its possible mechanism. METHODS: The thoracic aorta was isolated from male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the isometric tension of aortic rings with or without endothelium was measured. RESULTS: CEF (0.1-1 000 mg/L) produced concentration-dependent, endothelium-independent relaxations in phenylephrine (PE)-contracted aortic rings. The maximum relaxation induced by CEF was 78.68%±6.03% in endothelium intact rings and 64.98%±13.90% in endothelium removed rings while the forskolin (1 μmol/L)-induced vasodilation was obtained as 100%. The vasodilatatory effect of CEF was not statistically inhibited by 10 μmol/L glibenclamide (Glib), 3 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA), 100 μmol/L BaCl₂ and 10 μmol/L 1H- -oxadiazole- -quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) in the preparations without endothelium. The CEF pre-treatment significantly inhibited vasoconstrictions to angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), prostaglandin F_2α, (PGF_2α), dopamine (Dopa), vasopressin (Vaso), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and PE by 91.31%, 82.11%, 95.32%, 90.53%, 72.22% and 83.63%, respectively (P<0.01). In Ca²⁺-free medium treated endothelium removed aortic ring, incubation with CEF at concentration of 82 mg/L significantly attenuated intracellular Ca²⁺ release by PE. In Ca²⁺-free + high potassium medium incubated aortic rings without endothelium, CEF (82 mg/L) markedly inhibited potassium-stimulated Ca²⁺-dependent contraction which was mainly due to Ca²⁺ influx (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: CEF induced vasorelaxation is mainly related to interfering intracellular calcium homeostasis by blocking Ca²⁺ influx and intracellular Ca²⁺ release.     

Effects of anti-cardiac AT1-receptor antibody on ventricular myocyte ionic currents in rats

AIM: In an attempt to clarify the role of anti-angiotensinⅡ-receptor antibody (anti AT₁-R Ab) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, the effects of AT₁-R Ab on several major ionic currents in rat ventricular myocytes were studied.METHODS: The anti-AT₁-R Ab was derived by immunizing rats with synthetic peptide corresponding to the sequence of the second extracellular loop of human AT₁ receptor. Whole cell patch clamp was used to measure the ionic currents including I_Ca-L, I_Na/Ca, I_to, and I_K1 in the rat ventricular myocytes.RESULTS: AT₁-R Ab IgG significantly increased the I_Ca-L and I_Na/Ca, but decreased the I_to and I_k1 in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the control, all these differences were statistically significant. These effects of anti-AT₁-R Ab were in the same way as the effects of AngⅡ, an agonist of AT₁-R, and were blocked by losartan, a specific antagonist of AT₁-R.CONCLUSION: Anti-AT₁-R Ab displays remarkable agonist-like activity on the ionic currents in cardiomyocytes via stimulation of AT₁-R and increase of calcium influx, and therefore affects the cardiac activity. These findings indicate that AT₁-R Ab is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.     

Electrical heterogeneity of transient outward current in thyroxine induced ventricular myocytes of cardiomyopathy rat

AIM: To study the electrical heterogeneity of transient outward potassium current (Ito) in left and right ventricular myocytes of cardiomyopathy rat. METHODS: The rats were peritoneally injected with L-thyroxine 0.5 mg/kg for 10 d to establish the model of ventricular hypertrophy. The right and left ventricular parts of the heart were separated and the ventricular myocytes were prepared by step digestion using enzyme solution. Ito was recorded by using whole cell patch clamp technique. The change of the electrical heterogeneity was determined. RESULTS: The electrical heterogeneity of Ito existed in the normal myocytes of left and right ventricles. In the myocytes of left and right ventricles isolated from the cardiomyopathy rats, the electrical heterogeneity was enhanced obviously and showed statistical difference. At +40 mV depolarizing test potential, the current density of Ito in the myocytes of right ventricle was increased from (9.23±0.84) pA/pF to (11.19±1.73) pA/pF, while the current density of Ito in the myocytes of left ventricle was decreased from (6.99±1.14) pA/pF to (4.95 ±1.84) pA/pF and the dispersion was increased. The V1/2 of right ventricle steady inactivation was increased significantly ［from (-68.85±1.37) mV to (-49.86±0.69) mV］. The time constant τ of de-inactivation changed significantly ［τleft=(79.16±7.04) ms,τright=(53.19±3.72) ms］. CONCLUSION: Enhanced electrical heterogeneity of Ito in the left and right ventricular myocytes of cardiomyopathy rat may represent one of the important ionic mechanisms for some arrhythmia caused by myocardial hypertrophy.     

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.     

Effect of dexamethasone or theophylline on platelet-activating factor-induced eosinophils

AIM: To elucidate the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on eosinophil activation and the action of dexamethasone or theophylline during this process. METHODS: Eosinophils (EOS) from the peripheral blood of normal subjects were isolated. The hypodense eosinopil (HE) and normodense eosinophil (NE) were studied with electron microscopy. The effects of PAF on eosinophil activation and the action of dexamethasone or theophylline during the above process were measured. RESULTS: Hypodense eosinophil had significantly smaller individual granules than normodense eosinophil had. PAF induced eosinophil peroxidase release, and generated. Eosinophils incubated with 10^-8 mmol/L PAF and 10^-5 mmol/L dexamethasone released (101.17±10.32) mg/L eosinophil peroxidase (P<0.05). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-9 mol/L PAF and 10^-5 mmol/L dexamethasone caused a decrease in eosinophil peroxidase (110.85±4.16) mg/L and induced the generation of hypodense eosinophil (17.87%±2.16%). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-8 mmol/L PAF and 10 mg/L theophylline released (100.53±9.65) mg/L eosinophil peroxidase (P<0.05). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-9 mol/L PAF and 10 mg/L theophylline caused a similar decrease in eosinophil peroxidase (106.94±10.11) mg/L and induced the generation of hypodense eosinophil (14.08%±2.42%). CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophil degranulation is one of the reasons by which hypodense eosinopils develop. PAF induced eosinophil degranulation, so generated hypodense eosinopils. Dexamethasone and theophylline inhibited above effects.     

Blunted response of L-type calcium current to simulated ischemia and reperfusion in ventricular myocytes from diabetic rabbits

AIM: To evaluate the effects of simulated acute ischemia and reperfusion on L-type calcium current (I_{Ca, L}) in ventricular myocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic rabbits.METHODS: Using whole-cell patch clamp techniques, I_{Ca, L} was measured in left ventricular myocytes isolated from 6-week alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits and age-matched control ones at baseline, 5 min of simulated ischemia, and 5 min of reperfusion.RESULTS: There were no significant differences on baseline maximum I_{Ca, L} densities between diabetic and control ventricular myocytes. In control cells (n=11), maximal I_{Ca, L} densities of baseline, ischemia and reperfusion were (-8.36±1.63)pA/pF, (-5.90±1.75)pA/pF and (-4.22±1.02)pA/pF, respectively. The I_{Ca, L} of ischemia was less than that of baseline (P<0.01), while the I_{Ca, L} of reperfusion was less than those of baseline (P<0.01) and ischemia (P<0.05). In diabetic cells (n=9), the I_{Ca, L} of baseline, ischemia and reperfusion were (-7.55±1.62)pA/pF, (-6.05±1.58)pA/pF and (-5.12±1.13)pA/pF, respectively. Only I_{Ca, L} of reperfusion was less than that of baseline (P<0.01), while I_{Ca, L} of ischemia was not significantly different from that of baseline (P>0.05) or reperfusion (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: I_{Ca, L} in diabetic ventricular myocytes represents blunted response to acute ischemic injury, being decreased more slowly than that in control cells. Post-ischemic reperfusion is still a potent inhibitor against I_{Ca, L} in both diabetic and non-diabetic cells. This study may be indicative of the mechanism about ischemia-reperfusion injury to diabetic myocardium and the therapy for diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease.     

COX-2 inhibitor protects rat heart against oxidative stress through a pathway independent of cyclooxygenase

AIM: To investigate whether nimesulide ［a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor］ and piroxicam (an inhibitor of COX-1) protect the rat hearts against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide,superoxide anion or hydroxyl free radical.METHODS: Cardiac contractility,lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed by the Langendorff method in isolated rat hearts.Production of 6-Keto-PGF1α,a marker of COX activity,was measured in isolated rat hearts.RESULTS: Rat hearts were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂),pyrogallol (which produced superoxide anion) or Vit C+Fe2+ (which produced hydroxyl free radical) for 10 min followed by reperfusion for 30 min.H₂O₂ decreased cardiac contractility and increased LDH release,which was inhibited by nimesulide (3 mg/kg) ［LVDP 72%±10% vs 61%±11%,LDH （5.5±2.5）U/L vs （8.0±2.1）U/L,P<0.05］.Piroxicam (3 mg/kg) increased systolic function (LVDP 73%±10% vs 61%±11%,P<0.05),but exacerbated diastolic function ［LVEDP （29.00±5.61）mmHg vs （23.16±3.57） mmHg,P<0.01］ in H₂O₂ treated rat hearts.Nimesulide also protected rat hearts against superoxide anion and hydroxyl free radical injury.Nimesulide and piroxicam had no effect on the content of 6-Keto-PGF_1α in rat hearts.Mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel (mitoK_ATP) inhibitor 5-HD blocked the improvement of contractility (LVDP and ±dp/dt_max) induced by nimesulide in H₂O₂ treated rat hearts (53%±12% vs 69%±3%,58%±11% vs 72%±7% and 37%±8% vs 51%±4% respectively,P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The results suggests that COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide can protect rat hearts against oxidative injury.The protection is independent of COX activity.Activation of mitoK_ATP may be involved in nimsulide-induced cardioprotection in rat hearts.     

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.     

Electrophysiological effects of lidocaine on myocardial tissue in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract under conditions of hypoxia,acidosis and treatment with epinephrine

AIM：To study the electrophysiological effects of lidocaine on the myocardial tissue in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract under the conditions of hypoxia, acidosis and treatment with epinephrine. METHODS：The action potentials of pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract were recorded by conventional technique with intracellular microelectrodes. The effects of lidocaine on the spontaneous slow response potentials were investigated under the conditions of hypoxia, acidosis and treatment with epinephrine (EPI). RESULTS：Lidocaine markedly decreased the rate of pacemaker firing (RPF), the velocity of diastolic depolarization (VDD), the maximal rate of depolarization (Vmax), the maximal diastolic potential (MDP) and the amplitude of action potential (APA). Lidocaine also shortened the 50% and 80% of duration of action potential (APD50 and APD80). At the concentrations from 0.1 μmol/L to 10 μmol/L, the effects of lidocaine were more significant. Under the condition of hypoxia and perfusion with deprived glucose content for 15 min, VDD, RPF, Vmax, MDP and APA significantly decreased, and APD50 notably shortened. Under the condition of hypoxia, lidocaine at 1 μmol/L significantly decreased VDD, RPF, Vmax and APA as compared with the cells treated with hypoxia only. Perfusion with pH 6.8 solution for 10 min, VDD, RPF, Vmax and APA significantly decreased, MDP notably increased, and APD50 and APD80 markedly shortened. Under the condition of acidosis for 10 min, lidocaine significantly decreased VDD, RPF and Vmax, and lengthened APD50 and APD80 as compared with the cells under the condition of acidosis alone. Perfusion with EPI at 10 μmol/L for 10 min resulted in significant increases in VDD, RPF, Vmax, MDP and APA, and notable shortenings of APD50 and APD80 were also observed. Compared with 10 μmol/L EPI group, 1 μmol/L lidocaine+10 μmol/L EPI significantly reduced VDD, RPF, MDP and APA, and lengthened APD50 and APD80. CONCLUSION：Lidocaine markedly decreases the autorhythmicity of the pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract and influences the electrophysiological effects of hypoxia, acidosis and EPI.     

Effect of hypoxia on persistent sodium current in ventricular myocytes from 3-week infarcted rat heart

AIM: To investigate the effect of hypoxia on persistent sodium current (INap) in single ventricular myocyte isolated from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) heart of rats and to study the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias that occur after AMI. METHODS: AMI model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record the current in epicardial myocytes in infarcted region from rats at 3 week after AMI. RESULTS: In normoxic conditions, the current density of INap in cardiomyocytes of fake operation (FO) and AMI hearts was 0.144±0.022 pA/pF (n=9), 0.121±0.013 pA/pF (n=9，P<0.01)， respectively, which was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX). The amplitude of INap was gradually increased with the prolongation of hypoxia time, but the increase in extent of INap in FO cells was significant bigger than that in AMI cells. The INap was blocked by 1 mmol/L glutathione. CONCLUSIONS: After AMI, the amplitude of INaP in infarcted and noninfarcted myocardium showed differences both in normoxic and hypoxic conditions, which increased dispersion of repolarization. This may be one of the reasons of reentrant ventricular arrhythmias that occur after AMI.     

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.     

Change of mitochondria during apoptosis in Jurkat cells induced by arsenic trioxide

AIM: To study the changes of mitochondria during apoptosis in Jurkat cells induced by arsenic oxide (As₂O₃). METHODS: By treated with 4×10^-6 mol/L As₂O₃, apoptosis and necrosis of Jurkat cells were assessed by annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flowcytometry. Mitochondrial mass and its membrane potential (△ψm) was measured by NAO/PI and DiOC₆ (3)/PI staining, respectively. Free radical formation was detected by DCFDA staining. RESULTS: After 48 h of As₂O₃ treatment, the rates of early apoptotic Jurkat cells in As₂O₃ and control groups were (18.98±1.40)% and (5.17±0.80)%, respectively (P<0.01). The necrotic rate in As₂O₃ group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01), they were (8.56±0.70)% and (1.53±0.55)%, respectively. △ψm decreased Jurkat cells in As₂O₃ groups and control groups were (23.07±3.62)% and (6.63±1.46)%. The percentages of low mitochondrial mass cells in As₂O₃ and control groups were (25.90±1.80)% and (6.37±1.04)% (P<0.01). Intracellular free radicals in As₂O₃ group was increased, compared with control group, their DCFDA-fluorescence mean intensities were (24.41±0.75) and (17.06±0.48) (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: During apoptotsis process in As₂O₃-induced Jurkat cells, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial mass loses significantly, with increase in free radicals.     

Importance of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in high glucose-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in high glucose(HG)-induced apoptosis of cardiac myocytes. METHODS: Cardiac myocytes were exposed to normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L glucose+ 19.5 mmol/L mannitol), HG (25 mmol/L glucose), or HG combined with 5 μmol/L spermine for 72 h. Mitochondrial free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_m), MCU at mRNA and protein levels, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m), the levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis were determined. RESULTS: The [Ca²⁺]_m, the mRNA and protein levels of MCU, PDH activity, ATP levels, and Δψ_m were reduced (P<0.05), while ROS content and the protein levels of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were increased in HG group (P<0.05). Adding 5 μmol/L spermine returned these parameters toward control levels (P<0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was reduced by adding spermine and HG treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HG-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis may be associated with the decreased MCU expression and activity, abnormal mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling, deviant mitochon-drial respiratory chain, and mitochondrial dysfunction.     

Complement activation in acute coronary syndromes

AIM: To evaluate complement activation in patients with all forms of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and to examine the relationship between the degree of complement activation and myocardial injury.METHODS: The subjects were divided into 2 groups: 110 ACS patients (group ACS) and 18 healthy persons (group control).One hundred and ten patients with ACS were divided into 3 sub-group: 51 patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI),28 patients with non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 31 patients with unstable angina (UA).Complement 3 (C₃),complement 4 (C₄),troponin T (TnT) as well as creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) were evaluated.RESULTS: Plasma C₃ and C₄ peak levels were significantly higher in patients with STEMI ［(1 525±302)mg/L and (423±123) mg/L］ and NSTEMI ［(1 516±289)mg/L and (396±68) mg/L］ than those in patients with UA ［(1 275±172)mg/L and (356±91) mg/L］ and the control subjects ［(1 072±196)mg/L and (182±73) mg/L］ (P<0.01 for all).Also,C₃ and C₄ serum levels in patients with UA were significantly higher than those in control subjects (P<0.01 for all).At one-week follow-up,plasma levels of C₃ and C₄ were significantly different among various days in patients with ACS (P<0.01).Plasma C₃ and C₄ levels in ACS showed a relationship with peak creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and troponin T (TnT) levels (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Plasma C₃ and C₄ levels are elevated in ACS in present study.The relationship between C₃,C₄ levels and ACS suggests that the complement activation is related to necrosis within the myocardium.