RESUMO
By means of Langendorff method and standard microelectrode techniques the effects of Ciwujia on reperfusion induced arrhythmias and action potential alterations were studied in isolated rat heart with transient coronary occlusion. Inclusion of Ciwujia extract (equivalent to 1.2 and 2.4 mg crude drug/ml) was found helpful in reducing reperfusion induced ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Associated with this reduction in rhythm disturbances was an increase in the total duration of normal sinus rhythm during the 3 min reperfusion period. With the administration of Ciwujia the number of cells with abnormal action potential configurations was significantly reduced. This confirms that Ciwujia can protect myocardium from electrophysiological abnormalities, and therefore reduces the incidence of malignant arrhythmias.