[Effects of tetrandrine on Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and p-ERK1/2 expression]

To observe effects of tetrandrine (Tet) on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the activity and expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2).

In the primary culture of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, as indexes of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, pulsation rate was measured under phase contrast microscope. Cell size was determined by cell morphology analytical system. The total protein was determined by coomassie brilliant blue and protein synthesis rate was measured by [3H]-Leucine incorporation. ERK activity was measured by immuno-precipitation. The expression of p-ERK1/2 was assessed using Western blot.

Tet can decrease Ang II-induced elevations of the pulsation rate, cell size, total protein and protein synthesis rate; inhibit the activity and expression of p-ERK1/2.

The anti-hypertrophic effect of Tet on Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was associated with inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling pathway.