Heptanol, a gap junction uncoupler, protects heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the effect of heptanol on the in vivo heart subjected to ischemia and reperfusion, on the whole-tissue resistance and electrical uncoupling in the isolated rat heart during prolonged ischemia. METHODS: The effect of heptanol at different doses (0.03, 0.06, 0.30, and 0.60 mg/kg) on the intact rat heart during 30 min ischemia (ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery) and 2 h of reperfusion was observed. The effect of heptanol on electrical uncoupling in the isolated rat heart was investigated by measuring the changes in whole-tissue resistance using the four-electrode method. RESULTS: Heptanol reduced infarct size and the severity of arrhythmia during ischemia and reperfusion within a range of doses (0.06-0.60 (mg/kg)). No effect was observed at dose of 0.03 mg/kg and the severity of arrhythmia during ischemia was increased at dose of 0.60 mg/kg. Heptanol at different concentrations (0.05-1.00 mmol/L) delayed the onset of electrical uncoupling and plateau time during prolonged ischemia, and reduced the maximal rate of uncoupling. CONCLUSION: Heptanol conferred cardioprotection on ischemia-reperfusion myocardium. The mechanism may be related to its uncoupling effect.