Aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum schinifolium elicits contractile and secretory responses via β1-adrenoceptor activation in beating rabbit atria

Aim of studyAlthough Zanthoxylum schinifolium has long been used in the traditional oriental medicine, cardiac effects have not well been documented. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of leaves and stems from Zanthoxylum schinifolium (AZS) on inotropic effect and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion.Materials and methodsThe AZS-induced changes in atrial dynamics, cAMP efflux and atrial ANP secretion were determined in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria.ResultsAZS increased atrial pulse pressure, stroke volume, and cAMP efflux concomitantly with inhibition of ANP secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. The AZS-induced increases in atrial dynamics and cAMP efflux, and decrease in ANP secretion were attenuated by pretreatment with propranolol and CGP 20712 but not ICI 118,551. Also, the AZS-induced changes in atrial dynamics and ANP secretion were attenuated by diltiazem and KT 5720. Diltiazem and KT 5720 had not significant effect on the AZS-induced increase in cAMP efflux.ConclusionThese results suggest that AZS elicits a positive inotropic effect and decrease in ANP secretion via β1-adrenoceptor-cAMP-Ca2+ signaling in beating rabbit atria.

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