Effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B on the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B on rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 in each group): A sham operation group, B ischemic reperfusion group model group, C low dose salvianolic acid B group, D median dose salvianolic acid B group. E high dose salvianolic acid B group. One hour after establishment of the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model, the concentration and the apoptotic index of the plasma level of myocardial enzymes (CTn I, CK-MB), SOD, MDA, NO, ET were measured. Heart tissues were obtained and micro-structural changes were observed. Results: Compared the model group, the plasma CTn I, CK-MB, MDA and ET contents were significantly increased, NO, T-SOD contents were decreased in the treatment group (group C, D, and E) (P<0.05); compared with group E, the plasma CTn I, CK-MB, MDA and ET levels were increased, the NO, T-SOD levels were decreased in groups C and D (P<0.05). Infarct size was significantly reduced, mid the myocardial ultrastructural changes were improved significantly in treatment group. Conclusions: Salvianolic acid B has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. It can alleviate oxidative stress, reduce calcium overload, improve endothelial function and so on.