Objective To investigate the dynamic characteristics of the pacemaker current of canine sino-atrial node cells and compare them with the wild type mHCN2 pacemaker current overexpressed in neonatal rat myocardial cells.Methods Fresh canine sino-atrial node cells were enzymatically isolated in a calcium-free solution containing collagenase and elastase,and the funny current was recorded and compared with the mHCN2 current overexpressed in cultured neonatal rat myocardial cells under the same experimental conditions.Results The canine sinus node cells were elongated,spindle-shaped or polygonal,with well-defined boundaries,and showed spontaneous beating.The elicited pacemaker current was an inward current and its rise in amplitude quickened as the hyperpolarization potential increased.At V ＝-75 mV,the canine sinus atrial node pacemaker current was (-2.1±0.3) pA/pF and had the same activation kinetics as those of the mHCN2 channel current overexpressed in neonatal rat myocardial cells [τact:(728±137) ms vs.(530±65) ms,P＞0.05].Conclusions Within the physiological range,the pacemaker current in canine sino-atrial node cells and the wild type mHCN2 pacemaker current over expressed in neonatal rat myocardial cells have similar activation kinetics.

Objective To analyze the effect of dominant accessory atrioventricular pathways (AP) on the end vector of ventricular depolarization. Methods All patients had single AP confirmed by radiofrequency cathteter abalation (RFCA) and were free from organic heart disease (including 102 cases of dominant accessory AP and 38 cases of concealed AP). The AP was divided into posterior septal(P3) ,mediate septal (MS) ,anterior septal (AS), left posterior free wall (LP), left anterior free wall (LA), right posterior free wall (RP) and right anterior free wall (RA). Results The end 40 ms vector of QRS wave changed in 102 patients with manifested AP and in 4 patients with concealed AP (P < 0. 05). Conclusion The end 40 ms vector of QRS wave of any site manifested AP can change and the changes have the specihty of leads.

Objective To investigate the expression of regulators of G protein signaling(RGS), including RGS2, RGS3 and RGS4 in OLETF rats, as well as the effects of metformin on these expressions. Methods LETO rats were used as control group. Eight-week-old male OLETF rats were assigned to two guoups randomly:model and trial(metfomin dose during 8~(th) to 22~(nd) weeks:300mg kg~(-1)·d~(-1);during 23rd to 28th weeks:400 mg·kg~(-1) ·d~(-1))groups. Expressions of RGS mRNA in aorta and heart werequantified by real-time PCR. Results RGS2, RGS3 and RGS4 mRNA of the thoracic aorta and left ventricle were significantly higher in model group than in control group (P<0.01). Compared with model group, metformin significantly reduced their mRNA in trial group (P<0.01). Conclusions Upregulation of RGS2, RGS3 and RGS4 mRNA expression in the thoracic aorta and left ventricle of OLETF rats is in correlation with cardiovascular lesions; while downregulation of their expression is in correlation with the action of metformin.

Objective Clinical evidence has suggested that ATI receptor blocker (ARB) could prevent the development of heart failure. Decreased sareoplasmic reticulum(SR) Ca2+ content, which is due to reduced SR calcium reuptake by SERCA2a, is responsible for defective systolic function in failing heart. To better understand how ARB could improve cardiac systolic dysfunction, we studied the effects of Valsartan on calcium reuptake of SR and its regulatory proteins in heart failure rabbits. Methods Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: sham rabbits(controls, n= 11), rabbits with heart failure treated with Valsartan (n= 11) and rabbits with heart failure but without Valsartan treatment (n=8).Rabbit heart failure model was established by volume plus pressure overload. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. SR calcium uptake was determined by measuring extra vesicular free [Ca2+] changes in a fluores-cence spectrophotometer. SERCA2a, Serl 6-phosphorylated phospholamban (p-PLB), PKA and PP1a protein abundance were deter-mined by use of Western blot analysis. Results Compared to control rabbits, the ejection fractions in the HF rabbits were significantly decreased (P<0.05), these changes could be significantly attenuated by Valsanan treatment (P<0.05).Calcium reuptake of SR, activity of SERCA2a and PKA decreased in heart failing myocytes (P<0.05), with down regulations of p-PLB, SERCA2a and PKA, but up regulation ofPP1αin ventricular samples from the failing rabbits (P<0.05). All of these changes were attenuated by Valsartan treatment (all P<0.05). Conclusion Valsartan improved cardiac function in volume plus pressure overload induced heart failure of rabbits possibly by restoring the SR calcium uptake resulted from attenuating the activities and expressions of SERCA2a and its regulatory proteins.