[Anti-arrhythmic effects of matrine]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Matrine (MT) is a bioactive alkaloid derived from Sophora alopecuroids L.
• Alkaloids from natural sources are increasingly investigated for therapeutic potential.
• Understanding the cardiovascular effects of Matrine is crucial for its pharmacological application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-arrhythmic properties of Matrine (MT).
• To determine the acute toxicity of Matrine (MT) in a murine model.
• To evaluate the impact of Matrine (MT) on cardiac electrophysiology in rats.

Main Methods:

• Acute toxicity assessment via intravenous (iv) administration to determine the LD50 in mice.
• Evaluation of anti-arrhythmic efficacy using experimental models of induced arrhythmias (aconitine, barium chloride, coronary ligation).
• Analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in anesthetized rats following intravenous MT administration.

Main Results:

• The median lethal dose (LD50) of Matrine (MT) administered intravenously to mice was determined to be 72.1 mg/kg.
• Matrine (MT) exhibited significant efficacy in preventing or treating arrhythmias induced by various experimental models.
• Intravenous administration of Matrine (MT) in rats resulted in significant ECG alterations, including heart rate retardation and prolongation of PR and QTc intervals.

Conclusions:

• Matrine (MT) possesses notable anti-arrhythmic activity.
• The cardiovascular effects of Matrine (MT) include negative chronotropic and dromotropic actions.
• Matrine (MT) demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for cardiac rhythm disorders.