Administration of Chromium(III) and Manganese(II) as a Potential Protective Approach Against Daunorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: in vitro and in vivo Experimental Evidence

Daunorubicin (DNR) is a widely used antitumor drug, but its application is limited because of its cardiotoxic side effects. The present study was designed to investigate the interaction between DNR and cardiac myosin (CM) in the presence of chromium(III) (Cr³⁺) and manganese(II) (Mn²⁺) using fluorescence spectrometry under simulative physiological conditions with the aim of exploring the influence of metal ion on DNR-CM complex and finding out an aggressive approach to abrogate of DNR-induced cardiotoxicity. In detail, the quenching and binding constant of ternary system, including metal ion, DNR, and CM, were measured and compared with the DNR-CM. The data from in vitro experiments indicate that the presence of Cr³⁺ or Mn²⁺ distinctly decreased the binding force between DNR and CM, and alleviated the cardiac toxicity caused by DNR. In addition, the variations in mice body weight and myocardial enzyme level were examined by in vivo experiments. Animals receiving Cr³⁺ or Mn²⁺ supplementation of DNR showed preservation of the normal pattern of the heart, especially 2.0 mg Cr³⁺/kg body wt or 50.0 mg Mn²⁺/kg body wt exhibited an obviously protective effect accompanied with body weight raise when compared with the mice treated with DNR alone, decreased the ratio of heart to body weight (BW) and the ratio of left ventricular mass to BW to the normal levels, and inhibited the leak of myocardial enzyme caused by DNR. As a result, this study suggests that pretreatment of lower dose of Cr³⁺ (2 mg/kg wt) and moderate dose of Mn²⁺ (50 mg/kg wt) might be useful and play an important role in ameliorating the cardiotoxicity of DNR treatment in cancer patients.     

蝮蛇毒介导小鼠急性心肌损伤及心肌组织TNF-α表达的研究

目的探讨蝮蛇毒介导小鼠心肌组织中TNF-α蛋白表达变化与不同蝮蛇毒剂量、中毒时间的关系。方法确定LD50蝮蛇毒注射剂量。将96只小鼠随机分为空白对照组、蛇毒低剂量(0.5mg/kg)组、蛇毒高剂量(1.0mg/kg)组,并按中毒时间设4水平组,即3、6、24、48h组,采集小鼠心肌标本,免疫组化检测心肌组织中TNF-α蛋白的表达情况。结果蛇毒低剂量组及蛇毒高剂量组小鼠心肌TNF-α蛋白表达明显高于空白对照组(均P0.05);而蛇毒高剂量组明显高于低剂量组(P0.05);6h组明显高于3h组(P0.05);24h组高于6h组(P0.05);48h组高于24h组(P0.05)。随着蝮蛇毒剂量的增加、中毒时间的延长,心肌TNF-α蛋白的表达越高。结论蝮蛇毒导致小鼠急性心肌损伤,TNF-α蛋白表达增高,且随着蝮蛇毒剂量的增加、中毒时间的延长,心肌TNF-α蛋白的表达越高,呈一定的时间、剂量效应趋势,提示TNF-α蛋白过度表达可能是蝮蛇毒导致小鼠急性心肌损伤的机制之一。     

Amiodarone inhibits interleukin 6 production and attenuates myocardial injury induced by viral myocarditis in mice

A recent study has shown that amiodarone inhibits the production of cytokines in vitro. This study was performed to examine the effects of amiodarone on survival, heart weight-to-body-weight ratio (HW/BW), myocardial lesions and cytokines production in a murine model of viral myocarditis induced by the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). Four-week-old male DBA/2 mice were inoculated with the EMCV. To examine its effect on survival and HW/BW on day 14, mice were administered oral amiodarone (30 mg/kg) or the vehicle only once daily, starting 4 days before inoculation of the virus. The effects of amiodarone on histopathologic changes in myocardial lesions and myocardial cytokine production were studied in mice treated with amiodarone (10 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) or vehicle, and killed day 7. The survival rate on day 14 was significantly higher in the amiodarone-treated mice than in the control mice. The HW/BW, histopathologic score of cellular infiltration and myocardial interleukin 6 concentration were significantly lower in the amiodarone-treated group than in the control group. Likewise, myocardial necrotic area was significantly smaller in the amiodarone group than in the control group. This study suggests that the beneficial effects of amiodarone in viral myocarditis may be mediated by decreasing interleukin 6 production in myocardial tissue.     

Methamphetamine Reward in Mice as Assessed by Conditioned Place Preference Test with Supermex® Sensors: Effect of Subchronic Clorgyline Pretreatment

Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that methamphetamine (METH)-induced hyperlocomotion and behavioral sensitization in mice were inhibited by clorgyline, an irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor. In this study, the effect of clorgyline pretreatment on METH-induced rewarding effect was assessed by a conditioned place preference (CPP) test, using an apparatus developed with Supermex sensors (infrared pyroelectric sensors). Although intact male ICR mice showed significant CPP for METH (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), pretreatment with subchronic clorgyline (0.1 and 10 mg/kg, s.c.) did not affect the magnitude of CPP. At a dose of 1 mg/kg, pretreatment of the mice with clorgyline showed a similar CPP index in both saline/saline and METH/saline pairing groups. During the conditioning session, the mice did not express behavioral sensitization to METH. Pretreatment with clorgyline (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) decreased striatal apparent monoamine turnover in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that clorgyline pretreatment (0.1 and 10 mg/kg) did not influence the METH-induced rewarding effect in mice, although pretreatment of the mice with clorgyline at a dose of 1 mg/kg appeared to influence the CPP for METH.     

不同剂量链脲佐菌素腹腔注射制备大鼠糖尿病心肌病模型的病理学观察

建立糖尿病性心肌病（DCM）大鼠模型,观察不同剂量链脲佐菌素（STZ）单次腹腔注射后大鼠心肌和胰腺的病理学变化。用STZ 50 mg/kg、55 mg/kg、60 mg/kg 3种剂量单次腹腔注射,制备糖尿病大鼠模型;以柠檬酸三钠-柠檬酸缓冲液腹腔注射,作为对照。72 h后,测空腹血糖及做口服葡萄糖耐量实验（OGTT）;3周后,HE染色观察各组大鼠胰腺和心肌形态学变化,Masson三色染色观察心肌纤维化改变。OGTT和空腹血糖显示3组存活大鼠糖尿病均成模;3周末,50 mg/kg和55 mg/kg剂量死亡率为25%;60 mg/kg剂量高,达到75%;HE染色显示55 mg/kg剂量组大鼠胰岛明显萎缩,轮廓不清晰,胰岛细胞数量少,心肌细胞肥大、排列紊乱,细胞间隙增大,并有炎症细胞浸润;50 mg/kg组胰岛和心肌也有变化,但无55 mg/kg组明显。心肌Masson染色显示55 mg/kg组心肌内胶原组织明显增多,排列紊乱,分布不均。55 mg/kg剂量的STZ单次注射大鼠腹腔,造模3周可以建立较明显的DCM模型,可为DCM的组织病理学和实验研究提供一个较好的动物模型。     

贯叶连翘提取物对小鼠免疫性心肌炎心肌纤维化的影响及其机制*

目的:研究贯叶连翘提取物(HPE)对小鼠实验性免疫性心肌炎心肌纤维化(MFEAM)的影响。方法:利用猪心肌肌球蛋白免疫易感鼠系,建立小鼠MFEAM模型,将MFEAM模型组小鼠随机分为: MFEAM模型组(n=14)、HPE100 mg/kg组(n=13)、HPE 40 mg/kg组(n=13)、Cap 50 mg/kg对照组(n=13)。各组药物每次均分别以0.4 ml生理盐水溶解,采用灌胃给药方式,每天2次,共60 d;正常对照组(n=10),MFEAM模型组按上述方法同体积同疗程给予生理盐水。通过观察小鼠一般情况,测定心脏重量、脾脏重量与体重之比,检测小鼠血清中I型前胶原N端前肽(PINP)、III型前胶原N端前肽(PIIINP)含量及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)浓度,Masson染色显微镜观察心肌纤维化(MF)程度及胶原容积分数(CVF)测定,Western blot检测心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达。结果:MFEAM模型组小鼠血清中TGF-β1浓度及PINP、PIIINP含量显著升高,MF程度及CVF增加,心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达上调,与正常组比较差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);而HPE 40 mg/kg、100 mg/kg及Cap对照组血清PINP、PIIINP含量及TGF-β1浓度均减少,不同HPE或Cap剂量显著改善或降低MFEAM模型小鼠MF程度及CVF,不同程度下调心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达水平,与MFEAM模型组比较差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)。结论:HPE对MF有治疗作用,可能与其减少胶原蛋白沉积,抑制TGF-β1信号通路有关。     

Profound bioenergetic abnormalities in peri-infarct myocardial regions

Regions of myocardial infarct (MI) are surrounded by a border zone (BZ) of normally perfused but dysfunctional myocardium. Although systolic dysfunction has been attributed to elevated wall stress in this region, there is evidence that intrinsic abnormalities of contractile performance exist in BZ myocardium. This study examined whether decreases of high-energy phosphates (HEP) and mitochondrial F(1)F(0)-ATPase (mtATPase) subunits typical of failing myocardium exist in BZ myocardium of compensated postinfarct remodeled hearts. Eight pigs were studied 6 wk after MI was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) distal to the second diagonal. Animals developed compensated LV remodeling with a decrease of ejection fraction from 54.6 +/- 5.4% to 31 +/- 2.1% (MRI) 5 wk after LAD occlusion. The remote zone (RZ) myocardium demonstrated modest decreases of ATP and mtATPase components. In contrast, BZ myocardium demonstrated profound abnormalities with ATP levels decreased to 42% of normal, and phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratio ((31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) decreased from 2.06 +/- 0.19 in normal hearts to 1.07 +/- 0.10, with decreases in alpha-, beta-, OSCP, and IF(1) subunits of mtATPase, especially in the subendocardium. The reduction of myocardial creatine kinase isoform protein expression was also more severe in the BZ relative to the RZ myocardium. These abnormalities were independent of a change in mitochondrial content because the mitochondrial citrate synthase protein level was not different between the BZ and RZ. This regional heterogeneity of ATP content and expression of key enzymes in ATP production suggests that energetic insufficiency in the peri-infarct region may contribute to the transition from compensated LV remodeling to congestive heart failure.     

熊果酸对糖尿病小鼠心肌病变的作用及其机制

目的：研究熊果酸对高脂饮食结合小剂量链脲佐菌素（STZ）诱导的糖尿病小鼠心肌病的影响,探讨其可能的作用机制。方法：雄性ICR小鼠30只,随机分为对照组（n=10）和造模组（n=20）,对照组和造模组分别以普通饲料及高脂饲料饲养,连续6周。造模组腹腔注射STZ连续5 d,对照组腹腔注射相应溶剂,9 d后测空腹血糖（FBG）,高于11.1 mmol/L视为糖尿病模型。20只成功造模小鼠随机分为模型组和熊果酸组（n=10）。各组连续灌胃给药（熊果酸100 mg/kg或相应溶剂）8周。测定FBG、体重、全心重和左心室重,计算心脏质量指数（HMI）和左室质量指数（LVMI）;测定血清肌酸激酶（CK）、乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）水平;测定心肌组织超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活力和丙二醛（MDA）含量;HE染色观察心肌病理改变;免疫组化法测定NOD样受体蛋白3（NLRP3）、白介素-1β（IL-1β）的蛋白质表达。结果：与正常组比较,模型组HMI、LVMI、FBG、CK、LDH、MDA水平显著升高;SOD活力显著降低。HE染色显示,模型组小鼠心肌纤维排列紊乱,细胞水肿、肥大,细胞间质大量炎性细胞浸润;免疫组化显示,模型组小鼠心肌组织NLRP3和IL-1β蛋白质表达显著增加;熊果酸组小鼠的上述变化明显改善。结论：熊果酸对高脂饲料结合小剂量链脲佐菌素诱导的糖尿病小鼠心肌损伤有明显的改善作用,其机制与抑制NLRP3炎症小体活化,减少IL-1β生成,减轻心肌组织炎性损伤有关。     

Protective effect of antioxidant ionol in total ischemia of the heart

The effect of antioxidant ionol in total myocardial ischemia during 30 and 60 min, t = 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C was studied in 60 Wistar rats. The models of isolated perfused myocardium by Langendorf, Neely and that of heterotopic transplantation of myocardium to the rat peritoneal vessels were used. It has been shown that pretreatment of ionol (240 mg/kg before 24 h of ischemia) was accompanied by improvement of myocardial contractile and diastolic functions.     

Correlation of histopathological and biochemical appraisal of anthracyclin-induced myocardium damage

Treatment of various tumor types with anthracycl in cytostatic drugs (DNR--daunorubicin and DOX--doxorubicin) is limited by their high cardiotoxicity. This study was aimed at examining effectiveness of histopathological appraisal of myocardial cell injury induced by the cytostatic drugs and evaluated according to Billingham and by MTS methods as compared to results of parallel biochemical assessment of lipid peroxidation indices (MDA- malonyldialdehyde, 4-HDA-4-hydroxyalkenes). The experiments were performed on rats intoxicated with DNR or DOX in an acute manner (1 x 10 mg/kg body weight, i.v.) or a subchronic manner (3 x 3 mg/kg body weight. i.v.). Significant positive correlations were demonstrated between results of histological and biochemical appraisal in rats intoxicated in the acute manner with DNR (r=(0.91), intoxicated in the subchronic manner with DNR (r=0.90) and in rats intoxicated in the acute or subchronic manner with DOX (r=0.91, r=0.77, respectively). The obtained results have confirmed the free radical mechanism of cardiomyocyte injury induced by anthracyclines and the applied techniques of evaluating the destruction may be used independently of each other.     

Modification of Morphine-induced Hyperlocomotion and Antinociception in Mice by Clorgyline,a Monoamine Oxidase-A Inhibitor

We evaluated the effects of pretreatment with clorgyline, an irreversible monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitor, on morphine-induced hyperlocomotion and antinociception. A single administration of morphine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) to male ICR mice induced a hyperlocomotion. ANOVA analysis revealed the statistical significance of the morphine effect on horizontal locomotion and of the clorgyline pretreatment × morphine interaction effect, but not of the effect of clorgyline pretreatment. The initial (5 min after challenge) phase of morphine actions vs. saline challenge appeared as if morphine had a strong inhibitory effect on locomotor activity in combination with different doses of clorgyline. The mice administered with morphine in combination of clorgyline (1 and 10 mg/kg) did not show any stereotypic behaviors. Clorgyline at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg but not other doses tested significantly potentiated morphine-induced antinociception evaluated by tail flick but not hot plate test. During the measurements of locomotor activity and antinociception, clorgyline at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg significantly inhibited monoamine metabolism through MAO. These results suggest that clorgyline showed an inhibitory effect on morphine-induced hyperlocomotion, but not antinociception, through MAO inhibition. There is not a possibility that clorgyline pretreatment enhanced morphine action on motor activity, resulting in the abnormal behavior from hyperlocomotion to stereotypic movements.     

Effects of dexrazoxane and amifostine on evolution of Doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in vivo

Doxorubicin is one of the most active drugs in oncology, with cardiotoxicity as a serious side effect of its application. The aim of this study was to investigate dexrazoxane and amifostine impact on the evolution of myocardial changes induced by doxorubicin. BalbC female mice were treated with doxorubicin only (10 mg/kg, single intravenous push), or with dexrazoxane (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [ip]) or amifostine (200 mg/kg, ip) 60 mins or 30 mins prior to treatment with doxorubicin, respectively. Blood sampling for determination of conventional serum-marker activity was performed 48 hrs later. The grade of histopathology changes was evaluated by light microscopy 1.5 and 3 months after treatments using the Billingham scoring method. Control groups consisted of nontreated mice. After doxorubicin-only treatment, the grade of heart tissue damage was found to increase in the period between 1.5 and 3 months. A similar but less intense progression was also detected in amifostine-pretreated animals, with significant difference among median Billingham scores between the two time points. The pretreatment with dexrazoxane suspended expansion of tissue lesions in time. Changes in serum enzyme activity revealed two correlations: the greater reduction in alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (alpha-HBDH) leakage is associated with a lower percentage of damaged tissue, and the creatine kinase to alpha-HBDH percent of difference ratio being greater than one is correlated with limited spreading of pathological lesions. Our results indicate that the development of doxorubicin-induced heart failure is based on a slow and persistent expansion of pathological process even long after the completion of the treatment. Dexrazoxane has proved to be successful and superior over amifostine against such an evolution of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.     

Electrophysiological action of ethacizin in acute myocardial ischemia in dogs

The effects of ethacizin on delayed activation of the ischemic myocardium by acute left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion were studied in dogs. Ethacizin, administered intravenously at a dose of 0.5 or 1 mg/kg depressed the conduction of excitation in the ischemic myocardium and significantly increased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation. Electrophysiological effects of ethacizin in acute myocardial ischemia, as well as its antiarrhythmic activity at the advanced stages of experimental myocardial infarction might be related to an intensive influence of ethacizin on fast inward sodium current in the myocardial fibers.     

Chymase inhibition reduces the progression to heart failure after autoimmune myocarditis in rats

Chymase has been known as a local angiotensin II-generating enzyme in the cardiovascular system in dogs, monkeys, hamsters, and humans; however, recently it was reported that chymase also has various other functions. Therefore, we decided to examine whether the inhibition of chymase improves disease conditions associated with the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy in rats and its possible mechanism of action as rat chymase is unable to produce angiotensin II. We examined the effect of TY-51469, a novel chymase inhibitor (0.1 mg/kg/day [group CYI-0.1, n = 15] and 1 mg/kg/day [group CYI-1, n = 15]), in myosin-immunized postmyocarditis rats. Another group of myosin-immunized rats was treated with vehicle (group V, n = 15). Age-matched normal rats without immunization (group N, n = 10) were also included in the study. After 4 weeks of treatment, we evaluated cardiac function; area of fibrosis; fibrogenesis; levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and collagen III; hypertrophy and its marker, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); and mast cell activity. Survival rate and myocardial functions improved dose-dependently with chymase inhibitor treatment after myosin immunization. A reduction in the percent area of myocardial fibrosis, fibrogenesis, myocardial hypertrophy, and mast cell activity along with a reduction in TGF-beta1, collagen III, and ANP levels in the myocardium were noted in postmyocarditis rats that received chymase inhibitor treatment. The treatment also decreased myocardial aldosterone synthase levels in those animals. Inhibition of chymase reduces the pathogenesis of postmyocarditis dilated cardiomyopathy and progression to heart failure by preventing the pathological remodeling and residual inflammation in rats.     

The cardioprotective effects of a combination of quercetin and α-tocopherol on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarcted rats

The present study aims to evaluate the combined protective effects of quercetin and α-tocopherol on isoproterenol-treated myocardial infarcted rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with a combination of quercetin (10 mg/kg) and α-tocopherol (10 mg/kg) daily for 14 days. After the pretreatment, rats were injected isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) to induce myocardial infarction. Isoproterenol-treated rats showed increased levels of serum troponins and increased intensities of serum lactate dehydrogenase-1 and -2 isoenzyme bands. Isoproterenol treatment also showed significant decreased levels of antioxidant system and significant increased levels of plasma lipid peroxidation, plasma uric acid, and the heart calcium. Furthermore, isoproterenol-treated rat's electrocardiogram showed elevated ST segments. Combined pretreatment with quercetin and α-tocopherol normalized all the biochemical parameters and minimized the alterations in electrocardiogram. Histopathology of myocardium also confirmed the cardioprotective effects of quercetin and α-tocopherol. In vitro studies confirmed the mechanism of action of quercetin and α-tocopherol. Thus, quercetin and α-tocopherol exhibited cardioprotective effects against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity due to their scavenging free radicals, improving antioxidants and maintaining Ca(2+) levels. Our study also showed that combined pretreatment (quercetin and α-tocopherol) was highly effective than single pretreatment (quercetin or α-tocopherol).     

Emoxipin in reperfusion of ischemic myocardium in dogs: effects on infarct size and plasma creatine kinase activity

The effects of synthetic antioxidant emoxypine on infarct size and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity was studied on open-chest anesthetized dogs with 180-min myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion. Emoxypine (10 and 40 mg/kg) was injected intravenously, beginning since 120th min of coronary artery occlusion. Emoxypine (10 mg/kg) resulted in infarct size limitation and reduction in plasma CK activity. An increase in dose of emoxypine to 40 mg/kg largely attenuated its protective effect on infarct size. CK activity during post-ischemic reperfusion was even higher in emoxypine (40 mg/kg) group compared with control. Augmented CK leakage from irreversibly injured myocardium to plasma under these experimental conditions may be owing to preservation of microvascular integrity and improving of drainage of infarcted tissue exerted by emoxypine.     

Protective effect of labedipinedilol-A, a novel dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker, on myocardial apoptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury

The effects of labedipinedilol-A, a novel dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker with alpha-/beta-adrenoceptor blocking activities, on myocardial infarct size, apoptosis and necrosis in the rat after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (45 min/120 min) were investigated. Ten minutes prior to left coronary artery occlusion, rats were treated with vehicle or labedipinedilol-A (0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg, i.v.). In the vehicle group, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion induced creatine kinase (CK) release and caused cardiomyocyte apoptosis, as evidenced by DNA ladder formation and terminal dUTP deoxynucleotidyltransferase nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. Treatment with labedipinedilol-A (0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg) reduced infarct size significantly compared to vehicle group (18.75+/-0.65% and 8.27+/-0.29% vs. 41.72+/-0.73%, P<0.01). Labedipinedilol-A also reduced the CK, CK-MB, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and troponin T levels in blood. In addition, labedipinedilol-A (0.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased TUNEL positive cells from 19.21+/-0.52% to 9.73+/-0.81% (P<0.01), which is consistent with absence of DNA ladders in the labedipinedilol-A group. Moreover, labedipinedilol-A pretreatment also decreased calcium content in ischemic-reperfused myocardial tissue. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that labedipindielol-A, through reduction of calcium overload and apoptosis, exerts anti-infarct effect during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and would be useful clinically in the prevention of acute myocardial infarction.     

葛根素对糖尿病心肌细胞的保护及其机制研究

观察葛根素（Puerarin）对链脲佐菌素（streptozotocin,STZ）诱导的糖尿病大鼠心肌细胞的保护作用,并探讨血小板反应素1（Thrombospondin-1,TSP-1）的表达改变及其作用。雄性SD大鼠45只随机分为三组（n=15）：糖尿病组和葛根素治疗组采用一次腹腔注射链脲佐菌素（STZ）65mg／kg制备糖尿病模型,其中葛根素治疗组于造模后葛根素腹腔注射4周（100mg/kg/day）,正常对照组仅腹腔注射等量生理盐水（6ml／kg）,同样喂养4周。四周后各组大鼠处死。H—E染色及透射电子显微镜观察三组大鼠心肌细胞纤维显微结构和超微结构的病理改变．免疫组化和实时荧光定量PCR法观察大鼠心肌细胞中TSP-1蛋白和mRNA表达的变化．同时利用Langendorff离体心脏灌流法测定各组大鼠心室肌细胞功能。结果发现葛根素治疗组较糖尿病组大鼠的体重增加明显,同时血糖下降,有显著性差异（P〈0．01）。H—E染色显示糖尿病大鼠多处心肌肌丝紊乱伴少量炎症细胞浸润,电镜下发现有线粒体嵴消失溶解,肌丝排列紊乱等病理改变,而葛根素治疗组大鼠偶见上述病理变化。免疫组化显示葛根素治疗组心肌内TSP-1阳性细胞密度小于糖尿病大鼠,TSP-1 mRNA表达也比糖尿病大鼠要低。此外葛根素治疗组大鼠的左室收缩末压（LVSEP）、左心室舒张末期压（LVEDP）等心功能指标均明显低于正常组（P〈0．01）,但较糖尿病组有显著改善（P〈0．01）。上述结果显示葛根素能保护糖尿病大鼠心肌细胞的高糖损伤和维持心室肌细胞的功能,而该机制可能与抑制心肌细胞TSP-1表达的水平有关。     

Protein profiling in daunorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

The aim of this paper was to study the protein remodelling of the left ventricle following repeated administration of either daunorubicin (DNR) or DNR in combination with the cardioprotective agent dexrazoxane (DXZ). The experiment was carried out on three groups of Chinchilla male rabbits: 1. DNR (3 mg/kg i.v.), 2. DNR (3 mg/kg i.v.) + DXZ (60 mg/kg i.p.), and 3. the control group (saline 1 ml/kg i.v. in the same schedule). The drugs were given once weekly, max. 10 administrations. Protein fractions were isolated by stepwise extraction from the samples of the left ventricle. In the DNR-group, the concentrations of both, metabolic and contractile proteins were significantly reduced, while the amount of collagen was significantly higher in comparison with the control group. In the group treated with DNR and DXZ, the concentrations of individual protein fractions (except metabolic proteins) were comparable to those of the control group, which confirms a significant cardioprotective effect of DXZ. The changes of protein profiling corresponded to functional examination of both cardiac parameters (EF, dP/dt(max), PEP: LVET index) and histological examination. These data should be used in further studies dealing with evaluation of cardiotoxic and, possibly, cardioprotective effects of new drugs.     

Optimal conditions for preservation of isolated heart using creatine phosphate and vitamin E (an experimental study)

Functional and structural safety of the myocardium following 6-hour preservation at 4-6 degrees C in ion-balanced cardioplegic solution alone or in combination with pharmacological corrective was evaluated in rats. Langendorff and Neely model of isolated heart perfusion was used. The addition of creatine phosphate in a conservation of 10 mM/l to the solution or donor pretreatment with 70 mg/kg vitamin E was found to potentiate the protective properties of the solution under deep hypothermia. The combined use of the agents proved to warrant the initial intact structural and functional status of the rat myocardium.