Effect of dingxin recipe on intracellular free calcium, membrane potential and mitochondria membrane potential in normal and hypoxia myocytes of rat

Abstract Objective

To elucidate the molecular mechanism on anti-arrhythmic function of Dingxin Recipe (DXR).

Methods

Cardiac myocytes isolated by trypsin method were cultured and labeled with various fluorescence stains. DXR contained serum induced changes of cellular calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]i, cell membrane potential (MP) and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) were determined with laser confocal microscopy.

Results

Hypoxia caused increase of [Ca²⁺]i and MMP, and decrease of MP, while DXR contained serum lowered the [Ca²⁺]i in normal or hypoxic myocytes, improved hypoxia induced MP reduction and maintain MMP at baseline level under hypoxia circumstances.

Conclusion

Through inhibiting the hypoxia caused [Ca²⁺]i and MMP elevation and MP lowering, DXR displays its action in protecting myocardial cells to prevent and treat arrhythmia.