Effect of Calcium-Channel Antagonist on Repolarization Heterogeneity of Ventricular Myocardium in an in Vitro Rabbit Model of Long QT Syndrome

Intracellular Ca2＋ and Ca2＋-dependent signaling molecule play an essential role in the genesis of long-QT （LQT） syndrome-related ventricular arrhythmias. The effect of calcium-channel antagonist verapamil on repolarization heterogeneity of ventricular myocardium was assessed in an in vitro rabbit model of LQT syndrome. By using the monophasic action potential （MAP） recording technique, MAPs of epicardium, mid-myocardium and endocardium were simultaneously recorded by specially designed plunge-needle electrodes across the left ventricular free wall in rabbit hearts purfused by Langendorff method with standard Tyrode＇s solution. Bradycardia was induced by com- plete ablation of atrioventricular node. A catheter was introduced into the right ventricle to pace at the cycle lengths （CLs） of 1500, 1000, and 500 ms, successively. Quinidine （2 μmol/L） prolonged QT interval and ventricular MAP duration （MAPD）, and increased transmural dispersion of repolarization （TDR） in a reverse rate-dependent fashion in isolated rabbit heart. No polymorphic ventricular tachycardias were induced under this condition. The effective free therapeutic plasma concentrations of verapamil （0.01--0.05μmol/L） used in this experiment had no effect on quinidine-induced changes of QT interval, MAPD and TDR. This study demonstrated that, in this model of LQT syndrome, blockade of calcium-channel with verapmil had no effect on quinidine-induced changes of repolatiation heterogeneity of ventricular myocardium.

Antidiarrheal potential of Distemonanthus benthamianus Baillon. extracts via inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels and cholinergic receptors

Objective:To evaluate spasmolytic mechanisms of aqueous and methanolic extracts from Distemonanthus benthamianus trunk-bark.Methods:Spasmolytic activities of extracts were evaluated in vitro on spontaneous and potassium chloride-induced jejunum contractions,or against cholinergic[acetylcholine(0.3μmol/L)]stimulations.High performance liquid chromatography analysis of both extracts was performed in reference to standard compounds.Results:Extracts developed concentration-dependent inhibitory activities.The methanolic extract,which revealed better activity,produced spasmolytic and myorelaxant effects at concentrations of 0.01-0.30 mg/mL with EC(50)of 0.06 and 0.09 mg/mL(95%CI:0.03-0.3 mg/mL),respectively.Its anticholinergic effect was obtained at the same concentrations with EC(50)of 0.11 mg/mL(95%CI:0.03-0.3 mg/mL).Chromatograms showed the presence of gallic acid in both extracts,rutin being only detected in the aqueous extract.Conclusions:Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts exhibit verapamil and atropine-like activities,thus highlighting calcium channels and muscarinic receptors blocking potentials,which may be conveyed by some phenolic compounds.These results confirm the antidiarrheal activity of Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts.

Effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal body contraction

AIM:To clarify the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal contraction and determine their possi-ble relationship with gastro-esophageal reflux disease.METHODS:Thirteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled. Esophageal body peristaltic contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were measured using high resolution manometry. All subjects were randomly examined on four separate occasions following administrations of nifedipine,losartan,and atenolol,as well as without any drug administration.RESULTS:Peristaltic contractions by the esophageal body were separated into three segments by two troughs. The peak peristaltic pressures in the mid and lower segments of the esophageal body under atenolol administration were signifi cantly higher than those without medication in a supine position. On the other hand,peristaltic pressures under nifedipine administration were lower than those observed without drug ad-ministration. Losartan did not change esophageal body peristalsis. Atenolol elevated LES pressure and slowed peristaltic wave transition,while the effects of nifedip-ine were the opposite. CONCLUSION:Among the anti-hypertensive drugs tested,atenolol enhanced esophageal motor activity,which was in contrast to nifedipine.

Effect of Shenmai Injection on L-type Calcium Current of Diaphragmatic Muscle in Rats

In this study, whole cell patch clamp recording technique was employed to investigate the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on L-type calcium current ofdiaphragmatic muscle in rats. The result showed that when the diaphragmatic muscle cell was held at —80 mV and depolarized to +60 mV, 10 μl/ml, 50 μl/ml and 100 μl/ml SMI enhanced the inner peak L-type calcium current from -(6.8±0.7) pA/pF (n=7) to -(7.3±0.8) pA/pF (P>0.05, n=7), -(8.6±1.0) pA/pF (P<0.05, n=7) and -(9.4±1.2) pA/pF (P<0.05, n=7), respectively. The rates of L-type calcium current were increased by (7.34±2.37) %, (25.72±5.94)% , and (38.16±7.33)% , respectively. However, it had no significant effect on maximal activation potential and reversal potential. Our results suggested that SMI could activate the calcium channel of the diaphragmatic fibers of the rats, increase the influx of Ca 2+, and enhance the contractility of diaphragmatic muscles.

Medical expulsion therapy for urinary calculi

C urrently, the predominant therapy for urinary calculi is minimally invasive treatment, which could reduce injury to patients while enhancing the success rate, compared to traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive treatments in urinary system include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy （ESWL）, percutaneous nephro- stolithotomy （PCNL）, ureteroscopic lithotripsy （URSL）, laparoscopy, and so on. Despite the relative small injury,

Gate-related receptor hypothesis for sodium-channel blocker antiarrhythmic agents

Sodium-channel blocker is an important class of drugs(Class Ⅰ) used in antiarrhythmictherapy. Its antiarrhythmic effects are mainly due to its capability of blocking cardiac sodiumchannels. Several hypotheses have been offered to explain the mechanisms of action of so-dium-channel blocker, in which the modulated receptor hypothesis (MRH) and guarded re-