Effects of simvastatin on contractile function in isolated rat heart
Zheng Xia · Zhongguo yaolixue yu dulixue zazhi · 2004
AIM Considering wide use of simvastatin in prevention of coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease, the direct effects of simvastatin on the isolated rat hearts was investigated. METHODS The isolated rat hearts were perfused with Krebs Henseleit solution and administrated simvastatin 1, 3, 10, 30 or 100 μmol·L -1 , respectively, then the indexes of left ventricular function (left ventricular development pressure, ±dp/dt max ) were observed and analyzed. RESULTS The contractile function of the isolated rat heart was improved when 3-30 μmol·L -1 simvastatin were administrated with the decrease in heart rates at 30 μmol·L -1 . The coronary flows were significantly increased when 10 or 30 μmol·L -1 simvastatin were given. While obvious damage of contractile function, even sudden death, occured when the agent was given at 100 μmol·L -1 dosage. CONCLUSION Proper use of simvastatin produces positive effect on the contractile function in normal rat hearts directly, but overdose of simvastatin deteriorates the contractile function.