Protective effects of taurine against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in isolated ischemic rat heart.

The protective effect of taurine (CAS 107-35-7) against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias has been investigated in isolated perfused rat heart (Langendorff method). Partial ischemia was induced by occlusion of left descending artery for 15 min, followed by 10 min reperfusion. Left ventricular pressure and epicardial ECG were continuously monitored before and during ischemia and reperfusion. A control group was submitted to partial ischemia without taurine treatment. Three groups were submitted to partial ischemia, under taurine (10 mmol/l) treatment in the Krebs-Henseleit perfusing buffer during ischemia only (group 1), at reperfusion (group 2) and throughout the experimental period (group 3). Malondialdehyde levels were measured as an index of lipid peroxidation and heart muscle damage. The incidence of irreversible ventricular fibrillation was significantly diminished from 83% (control group) to 36% in group 1, 42% in group 2 and 16% in group 3. The incidence of premature ventricular beats and ventricular tachycardia at reperfusion as well as malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased under taurine treatment. The results indicate that taurine protects ischemic heart against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias, via both its properties as membrane stabilizer and oxygen free radical scavenger.