Using optical mapping technology on isolated hearts, this study investigated the effects of Yangxin Dingji Capsule on electrical and calcium disturbances in heart models stimulated by isoproterenol (ISO). ISO could induce abnormal electrical activity and ventricular fibrillation phenotypes in some hearts, forming reentrant circuits, while the capsule prevented these abnormal electrical activities and excitation reentry. It also reduced APD dispersion and conduction heterogeneity indices, restored calcium activity abnormalities induced by ISO, and improved calcium signal homogeneity. Without ISO intervention, cardiac excitation conduction remained orderly, and the capsule had no significant effects on cardiac electrical conduction, APD, or CaTs.

(A) The schematic diagram for experimental procedures in the different groups. (B) Optical AP traces and activation maps during ISO challenge. Arrows indicate the direction of conduction. (C) Typical APD dispersion map and corresponding summary results of APD dispersion during ISO challenge. (D) Typical AP conduction map and corresponding summary data for inhomogeneity of AP conduction during ISO challenge. (E) Optical CaTs traces and activation maps during ISO challenge. Data were given as mean ± SEM. n = 5 hearts. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs Control; #p < 0.05 vs Model.

Journal of ethnopharmacology (IF 5.4)

Qiu, S., Sun, J., Su, S., Wu, W., Zhang, J., Qi, J., & Xu, Y. (2025). Traditional Chinese Medicine YangxinDingji alleviates arrhythmias through inhibition of sodium and L-type calcium channels. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 347, 119803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119803