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Updated: May 26, 2026
Viral Transgene Expression in Rodent Hearts and the Assessment of Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk
Published on: July 27, 2022
E-cadherin and 5-HT alterations in the heart of rats having undergone atropine-induced toxicity
Quan-Yong Huang1, Xue-Fang Li, Shui-Ping Liu
1Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China. hqy0726@126.com
Abstract:
Atropine-induced heart damage is associated with changes in the expression of various enzymes and proteins. The purpose of this study was to investigate atropine-induced alterations in cardiac E-cadherin and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) after atropine administration. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and an atropine group. The atropine group intraperitoneally received atropine at a single dose of 15 mg/kg for 7 days; the controls received the same amount of saline via the same route. On Day 8, the rats were anesthetized, and a thoracotomy was performed in all animals. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate protein expression of E-cadherin and 5-HT. Sections were analyzed by digital image analysis. Cardiac protein expression of E-cadherin and 5-HT was altered after atropine‑induced toxicity in the rat. The expression levels of E-cadherin and 5-HT were significantly decreased after atropine treatment, supported by IOD analysis, when compared with the control (P<0.05). The current findings indicate that such changes would be reflected in abnormal cardiac function, and these proteins may be useful for revealing the mechanisms underlying atropine-induced toxicity and may also provide various clues for further research.
Insights
Atropine treatment significantly decreased cardiac E-cadherin and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in rats. These changes may indicate abnormal heart function and reveal mechanisms of atropine toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atropine administration can lead to cardiac damage.
- Changes in cardiac protein expression are associated with atropine-induced heart issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate atropine-induced alterations in cardiac E-cadherin and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) expression.
- To assess the impact of atropine toxicity on specific cardiac proteins.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were divided into control and atropine groups.
- Atropine (15 mg/kg) or saline was administered daily for 7 days.
- Immunohistochemical analysis and digital image analysis were used to evaluate E-cadherin and 5-HT protein expression.
Main Results:
- Atropine treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of cardiac E-cadherin.
- Cardiac 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) expression was also significantly reduced post-atropine administration.
- Integrated Optical Density (IOD) analysis supported these findings, showing significant differences compared to controls (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Atropine-induced toxicity alters cardiac E-cadherin and 5-HT protein expression in rats.
- Decreased levels of these proteins may correlate with abnormal cardiac function.
- E-cadherin and 5-HT may serve as biomarkers for understanding atropine toxicity mechanisms.
