Effects of berberine on left atria and trachea in guinea pigs / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

ABSTRACT

AIM: To observe the effects of berberine (Ber) on left atria and trachea in guinea pigs. METHODS: The experiment was carried out with isolated left atria and trachea in guinea pigs, and the effects and interactions were compared between Ber and pinacidil (Pin). RESULTS: Ber concentration-dependent increased the force of contractile, while Pin decreased the force. Ber leaded a parallel rightward shift in accumulated response curve of depression contraction of left atria by Car, and it hardly changed the maximum response (E_(max)), while Pin leaded a parallel leftward shift in the same curve. In the combination of Ber and Pin, the dose-response curve hardly changed as the control one. In isolated guinea pig trachea, Ber caused a leftward shift in the dose-response curve of ACh, whereas Pin produced a rightward shift in the same curve without changing E_(max). When both Ber and Pin existed in the same container, there was no modification in the response to ACh. CONCLUSION: Ber shows the effect of blocking potassium channel.