Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2004; 9: 20
In Germany, WS 1442 is an approved treatment for mild forms of heart failure. Maladaptive myocardial hypertrophy is an important risk factor for the development of heart insufficiency. Activation of the protein phosphatase calcineurin (PP2B) is discussed as a major intracellular signal pathway that contributes to cardiac myocyte growth. Using an in vitro test system, we have previously observed that WS 1442 inhibits the enzymatic activity of calcineurin. Thus, it was the aim of the present study to evaluate if WS 1442 affects the development of cardiac hypertrophy in animal models of hypertension.
Hypertension and subsequent cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rats by aortic bending (AB) or administration of deoxycorticosterone/salt (DOCA), respectively. Animals were treated orally for a period of 14 (AB) or 28 (DOCA) days with WS 1442 (100 and 300 mg/kg/day) or vehicle. On the final day, animals were anaesthetised and blood pressure and heart rate were measured following cannulation of the left carotic artery. Heart and left ventricle weights were evaluated after haemodynamic measurements.
In both test models, WS 1442 at equivalent therapeutic human doses significantly decreased blood pressure and inhibited development of cardiac hypertrophy.
Cardiac hypertrophy induced by primary or secondary hypertension in rats is prevented by oral treatment with the Crataegus special extract WS 1442.
