OBJECTIVETo explore the possible mechanism of cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D) in countering and inducing arrhythmia, by way of studying its electro-physiological effect on ventricular papillary muscles of rats in vitro.

METHODSThe transmembrane potential of rat's isolated right ventricular papillary muscles were recorded using conventional glass micro-electrode technique.

RESULTS(1) CVB-D in concentration of 13.3-63.3 micromol/L, showed prolonging effect on the action potential repolarization time, mainly the action potential duration 50 (APD50), APD70 and APD90, in dose-dependent manner, in concentration of 33.3-63.3 micromol/L, it could inhibit the resting potential, action potential amplitude (APA) and maximum depolarization velocity (Vmax) in dose-dependent manner. (2) CVB-D also showed time-dependent effect, the effect initiated 10 min after 20 micromol/L was perfused in ventricular muscle, the APD50, APD70 and APD90 were potentiated gradually along with prolongation of action time and reached the peak at 30-40 min, without any potentiation thereafter. (3) CVB-D could markedly prolong the effective refractory period (ERP) of action potential, increase the ratio of ERP/APD. (4) CVB-D in concentration of 33.3 micromol/L could induce frequent, multifocal spontaneous arrhythmia in some cells when the action time was longer than 45 min.

CONCLUSIONCVB-D has the action of anti-ventricular arrhythmia, the mechanism is correlated with the prolongation of APD and ERP of ventricular muscle as well as the increase of ERP/APD ratio, while it also has the effect of inducing arrhythmia, the mechanism might be concerned with excessive prolongation of APD and the inhibition on RP, APA and Vmax.