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Abstract: Ursolic acid is reported to have beneficial effects on the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. However, the effects of ursolic acid on cardiac hormone secretion are yet to be defined. The present study was designed to test the effects of ursolic acid on the secretory and contractile functions of the atria. Experiments were conducted in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria. We measured the changes in atrial dynamics, pulse pressure, stroke volume, cAMP efflux, as well as the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Ursolic acid increased ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels with nifedipine attenuated the ursolic acid-induced increase in ANP secretion but not mechanical dynamics. The inhibition of K+ ATP channels with glibenclamide attenuated the ursolic acid-induced increase in ANP secretion—but not atrial dynamics—in a concentration-dependent manner. The selective Na+–K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain blocked the ursolic acid-induced increase in atrial dynamics but not ANP secretion. These findings show that ursolic acid increases ANP secretion via its activation of K+ ATP channels and subsequent inhibition of Ca2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels in rabbit atria. These data also suggest that ursolic acid increases atrial dynamics via its inhibition of Na+–K+-ATPase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Emodin, an active anthraquinone constituent isolated from the rhubarb, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine which is widely used in clinical treatment, has cardiovascular protective properties. However, it remains unclear whether the cardiovascular protective actions of emodin are related to an activation of cardiac natriuretic hormone secretion. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of emodin on the secretion of ANP, a member of the family of cardiac natriuretic hormones, and its mechanisms involved. Experiments were performed in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria allowing measurement of ANP secretion, atrial pulse pressure, and stroke volume. Emodin increased ANP secretion concomitantly with a decrease in atrial pulse pressure and stroke volume in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects were reversible. Inhibition of K+ channels with tetraethylammonium and glibenclamide attenuated the emodin-induced changes in ANP secretion and atrial dynamics. Furthermore, the emodin-induced changes in ANP secretion and atrial dynamics were attenuated by inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels with nifedipine. Atropine, methoctramine, tertiapin-Q, and pertussis toxin had no significant effect on the emodin-induced changes in ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics. The present study demonstrates that emodin increases ANP secretion via inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels through an activation of K+ ATP channel in isolated beating rabbit atria. The results also provide a rationale for the use of emodin in the treatment of impairment of the regulation of the cardiovascular homeostasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]