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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Model of Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
Published on: November 3, 2023
Protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins extracts on reperfusion arrhythmia in rabbits
Ying Liang1, Jie Qiu, Hai-Qing Gao
1Department of Geriatrics, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, PR China.
Abstract:
Reperfusion arrhythmia (RA) is one of the main complications which are also an important cause of sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to clarify whether grape seed proanthocyanidins extracts (GSPE) were therapeutic agents against RA. The models of cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury were established in rabbits. GSPE (100 mg/kg, and 250 mg/kg body weight/d, respectively) were administered for 3 wk. The incidence rates of arrhythmias before and after reperfusion of each group were recorded, cardiac infarction area and microstructures of cardiac cells of each rabbit were observed, and the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed using the Leica Qwin V3 image analysis system. Reperfusion induced arrhythmia. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred during the early phase of reperfusion after ischemia. Our results showed that GSPE treatment significantly reduced the incidence of VF and the infarction size compared with the model control group. Moreover, the intercalated disks in the model control group showed collapse, displacement and even the formation of cisterns. After being treated by GSPE, the intercalated disks were improved and there were less collapse and displacement. The expression of Cx43 was improved by GSPE treatment, and high dose of GSPE resulted in significant improvement. The study suggests that GSPE has a protective effect on myocardial ischemic reperfusion arrhythmias, which may be mediated by inhibiting the degradation of Cx43 and enhancing gap junctional conductance.
Insights
Grape seed proanthocyanidins extracts (GSPE) significantly reduced reperfusion arrhythmias and cardiac damage in a rabbit model. GSPE may protect against sudden cardiac death by improving connexin 43 expression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Reperfusion arrhythmia (RA) is a significant complication following cardiac ischemia and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death.
- Understanding the therapeutic potential of natural compounds against RA is crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Grape seed proanthocyanidins extracts (GSPE) are investigated for their antioxidant and cardioprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of GSPE against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of GSPE's protective effects on the heart.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury models were established in rabbits.
- GSPE was administered at doses of 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg for 3 weeks.
- Arrhythmia incidence, infarct size, cardiac cell microstructure, and connexin 43 (Cx43) expression were assessed.
Main Results:
- GSPE treatment significantly decreased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and reduced cardiac infarct size.
- GSPE improved the structural integrity of cardiac intercalated disks, mitigating collapse and displacement.
- GSPE administration, particularly at a high dose, enhanced the expression of Cx43.
Conclusions:
- GSPE demonstrates a significant protective effect against myocardial ischemic reperfusion arrhythmias.
- The cardioprotective mechanism of GSPE may involve the inhibition of Cx43 degradation and enhancement of gap junctional conductance.
- GSPE holds promise as a therapeutic agent for preventing sudden cardiac death associated with reperfusion injury.
