The effects of tetramethylpyrazine on the incidence of arrhythmias and the release of PGI2 and TXA2 in the ischemic rat heart.

Abstract

Pretreatment with tetramethylpyrazine (TMP, 12 mg/kg/day), a drug originally derived from the rhizomes of Ligusticum wallichii, significantly reduced the incidence of ischemia-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF) from 100% and 50% of control hearts to 41% (p < 0.05) and 0% (p < 0.05), respectively, in the ischemic rat heart. TMP also diminished the incidence of reperfusion-induced VT and VF from 100% and 100% of control hearts to 33% (p < 0.05) and 41% (p < 0.05), respectively. Pretreatment with TMP produced a slight, but significant increase of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and a decrease of TXB2 production during aerobic perfusion. Ischemia and reperfusion markedly increased the release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2. Pretreatment with TMP significantly enhanced the release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and diminished TXB2 outflow following left coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion.

• Authors: J Feng, G Wu, S Tang
• Journal: Planta medica (Planta Med) Vol. 65 Issue 3 Pg. 268-70 (Apr 1999) ISSN: 0032-0943 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 10232078 (Publication Type: Letter)

Chemical References

• Pyrazines
• Thromboxane A2
• Epoprostenol
• tetramethylpyrazine

Topics

• Animals
• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (prevention & control)
• Epoprostenol (metabolism)
• Heart (drug effects)
• Male
• Myocardial Ischemia (metabolism)
• Pyrazines (pharmacology)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Thromboxane A2 (metabolism)