Effect of n6-cyclopentyladenosine on ouabain-induced toxicity in isolated Guinea pig atria

A Bakhtiarian1, M-J Hosseini, A Pousti

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Insights

N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), an A(1)-selective adenosine agonist, reduces cardiac contractility but protects guinea pig atria against ouabain-induced toxicity by delaying arrhythmia onset and preventing asystole.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Ouabain is a cardiac glycoside that induces toxicity by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump.
  • Adenosine receptor agonists can modulate cardiac function and potentially counteract cardiotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), an A(1)-selective adenosine agonist, on ouabain-induced cardiotoxicity in isolated guinea pig atria.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated spontaneously beating guinea pig atria were used to assess the effects of CPA on contractility and ouabain-induced toxicity.
  • CPA was administered prior to ouabain exposure to evaluate its protective potential.

Main Results:

  • CPA (2-16 nM) decreased atrial contraction force (34%-51%) and rate (22%-48%) in a dose-dependent manner.
  • CPA significantly delayed the onset of ouabain-induced arrhythmia and prevented asystole, prolonging atrial beating.
  • At 8 nM, CPA increased arrhythmia onset time to 27.5 min and maintained atrial function for over 63 min.

Conclusions:

  • CPA exhibits direct cardiac actions, likely through inhibition of cardiac Na+ and Ca2+ channels.
  • CPA may reduce membrane conduction, thereby mitigating ouabain-induced cardiotoxicity.