Effects of tea polyphenols on cardiac function and myocardial ultrastructure in rats after repeated +Gz stress

Objective. To observe the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) on cardiac function and myocardial ultrastructure in rats after repeated +10 Gz stress. Method. Twenty four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 each): group A (control), group B (+10 Gz), group C (+Gz with TP). Group B and C were repeatedly exposed to +10 Gz (each for 30 s, onset rate about 0.5 G/s, 3 times/d with +1 Gz 1 min intervals, 3 d/wk, 4 weeks in total), but group A was only submitted to +1 Gz. TP (200 mg kg-1) was given orally to group C about 1 h prior to the +Gz experiment, and distilled water was given to group A and B. Function of isolated rat working hearts and myocardial ultrastructure were observed. Result. A significant decrease of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and injury of myocardial structure in rats were demonstrated after repeated +10 Gz stress. But TP could remarkably elevate the LVSP and improve myocardial ultrastructural injury in +10 Gz stressed rats. Conclusion. These results indicated that repeated high G exposure may produce cardiac structural and functional injuries in rats which might be partly related to free radical metabolism; and antioxidant TP had significant protective effects on the hearts of +Gz stressed rats.