Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Impact of Intracardiac Neurons on Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmogenesis in an Ex Vivo Langendorff System
Published on: May 22, 2018
Influence of racemic higenamine on the sinus node
Fengxia Yu1, Lingting Kong, Shujuan Wang
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China.
Racemic higenamine effectively treats sick sinus syndrome (SSS) by improving heart rhythm. This study found it enhances sinus node function and conduction in damaged sinus node models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a condition affecting heart rhythm.
- Understanding treatment mechanisms for SSS is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological mechanism of racemic higenamine in treating sick sinus syndrome (SSS).
Main Methods:
- 40 New Zealand rabbits were used, divided into normal and damaged sinus node (SND) groups.
- The SND model was created using formaldehyde.
- Rabbits received intravenous racemic higenamine (0.04 mg/kg) or saline, with electrophysiological indicators measured.
Main Results:
- Racemic higenamine significantly shortened sinus node recovery time (SNRT), corrected SNRT (CSNRT), total sinoatrial conduction time (TSACT), and sinus cycle length (SCL) in both groups.
- The drug's effect was more pronounced in the SND group.
- Racemic higenamine demonstrated a statistically significant effect in treating SSS-related arrhythmias.
Conclusions:
- Racemic higenamine enhances sinus node automaticity and improves sinoatrial and atrioventricular conduction.
- These actions constitute the primary electrophysiological mechanism for its therapeutic effect in SSS.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Regulation of Heart Rates
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
Racemic Mixtures and the Resolution of Enantiomers

