Objective: To study the effect of KATp channel opener and its possible mechanism on the sinoatrial node cells of neonatal rats which were cultured under simulated ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Freshly isolated sinoatrial node (SAN) cells of neonatal rats were purified and cultured for 2 d, and then they were randomly divided into the control, simulated ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group) , group intervened with KATp channel opener pinacidil (P + I/R group), KATP Channel blocking agent 5-HD (5-HD + I/R group) , and group with the 2 agents at same time (5-HD + P + I/R group) . The survival rate of cells was measured by flow cytometry and the content of intracellular calcium in the cells of each group was detected with laser confocal microscopy. Results: ① The survival rate of SAN cells in I/R group [ (51. 79±6. 28)% ] was remarkably significantly lower than in control [ (95. 08±10. 48)% ] (P < 0.001), and very significantly lower than in P + I/R group [ (63. 77±5. 35) % ] (P<0.01), however, those of 5-HD + P + I/R group [(52. 88±6. 25)% ] and 5-HD+I/R group [ (53. 16±5. 35)% ] was significantly lower compared with that in P + I/R group (P <0. 01) ; ② When the average fluorescence intensity of sinoatrial node cells in the control was regarded as 100% , the relative fluorescence intensities of each group were: ( 374±52) % in I/R group, significantly higher than that of control (P <0. 01) ; ( 162±20)% in P + I/R group, declining significantly than that of I/R group (P<0.01); (385?6)% in 5-HD+ P + I/R group and (379±44)% in 5-HD + I/R group, increasing significantly than that of I/R group (P<0.01). Conclusion: ① Simulated ischemia-reperfusion can significantly reduce the survival rate of SAN cells, and can also lead to the overload of intracellular calcium in them.② KATp channel opener, pinacidil, exerts protective effect on the cells under simulated ischemia-reperfusion, which may be associated with the decrease of intracellular calcium loading in them.
Objective: To study the effect of simulated ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) on If of sinoatrial node (SAN) cells and the intervention of KATP channel opener Pinacidil. Methods: The SAN cells of the neonatal rats were detached and purified 2 d before the experiment. The experimental animals were randomly divided into the control group, group of simulated I/R, group intervened with KATP channel opener Pinacidil (P+ I/R) and group intervened with KATP channel blocking agent 5-HD (5-HD + P + I/R & 5-HD + I/R). The If density of each group was measured by technique of routine whole cell patch clamp and multiple-catheter perfusion system and the If activated curve in each group was drawn. Results: ①Under different directive potentials, the If density of the SAN cells in I/R group increased significantly, compared with that in the control group ( P < 0.01); that in P + I/R group decreased significantly, compared with that in I/R group ( P < 0.01); the If density values in 5-HD + P + I/R group and 5-HD + I/R group increased significantly, compared with that in P + I/R group, but showed no significant difference with that in I/R group. ②Compared with that in the control group, the If activated curve of the SAN cells moved rightwards under ultimate activating potential, half of which was from - 108.0 ± 12.4 to - 89.5 ± 7.2 mV ( P <0.01); compared with that in I/R group, If activated curve of the SAN cells moved leftwards under ultimate activating potential, half of which was the range from -99.5± 10.8 mV (P<0.05); KATP channel blocking agent 5-HD could block the effect of Pinacdil on If activated curve. Conclusion: KATP channel opener Pinacidil can antagonize the effect of simulated I/R on the If of SAN cells, which may be beneficial to the maintenance of the relative stability of ion steady state and electrophysiological activities under condition of simulated I/R.