RESUMEN
Objective: To investigate the protection of Angelica sinensis extract on the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of rats and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into Sham, model, and low-, mid-, and high-dose A. sinensis extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), and L-arginine (200 mg/kg) positive control groups. Except for Sham group, the rats with LVH were induced by abdominal aorta coarctation and were administered from the next day after surgery once daily for consecutive 21 d. Changes of cardiac hypertrophy parameters and hemodynamic indexes of rats were observed. Left ventricular myocardial fiber diameter (MD) was determined. Electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue. RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and calcineurin phosphatase (CaN). Western blotting was used to determine the expression of α-subunit of calcineurin phosphatase (CnA). Results: Compared with Sham group, the left ventricular hypertrophy index (LVHI), the left ventricular weight/right ventricular weight (LVW/RVW), and MD were remarkably increased, the expression of ANF, CaN mRNA, and CnA protein was obviously elevated. A. sinensis extract could remarkably decrease LVHI, tend to or significantly decrease LVW/RVW, improve the indicators of systolic and diastolic function, and down-regulate the expression of ANF, CaN mRNA and CnA protein. Conclusion: A. sinensis extract has the protection against LVH induced by abdominal aorta coarctation in rats, and the mechanism may be related to its inhibitory effects on CaN signaling pathway.