ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effects of anisodamine on apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and inflammatory response in overtrained rats. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats, weighing 200-220 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n = 8 each) : control group (group C) , overtraining group (group O) , anisodamine group (group A) . The model of overtraining-induced acute heart injury was established by exhausting swimming. Anisodamine 10 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally 20 min before overtraining in group A. Blood samples were taken at 6 h after overtraining for measurement of serum CK-MB activity. The rats were then sacrificed and myocardial tissues taken for determination of TNF-α content and NF-κB activity (by immunohistochemistry) . The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Results The CK-MB activity, apoptosis rate, TNF-α content and NF-κB activity were significantly higher at 6 h after overtraining in groups O and A than in group C, while lower at 6 h after overtraining in group A than in group O ( P < 0.05) . Conclusion Anisodamine can inhibit apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by reducing inflammatory response in overtrained rats.