P6 Electroacupuncture Improved QTc Interval Prolongation by Upregulation of Connexin43 in Droperidol Treated Rats.

Feng Zhao,Libing Huang,Suyang Cui

doi:10.1155/2014/926423

Feng Zhao, Libing Huang + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/926423

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Abstract

Aim. This study investigated the effect of P6 EA on droperidol-induced QTc interval prolongation and Cx43 expression in ventricular muscle of rats. Methods. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into control group (C), droperidol group (D), or EA group (E). C group rats were injected with normal saline. D group rats were injected with droperidol 0.13 mg/kg. E group rats were pretreated with EA at left P6 acupoint for 30 min and then injected with droperidol (0.13 mg/kg). QTc intervals were recorded at lead II in ECG within 120 min. Cx43 expression was measured by RT-PCR and western blotting. Result. Droperidol significantly prolonged QTc intervals compared with controls at 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min (P < 0.05). P6 EA could significantly abbreviate the prolongation of QTc interval compared with droperidol group at 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min (P < 0.05). Cx43 mRNA and proteins were significantly increased by P6 EA compared with droperidol group at 120 min (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in Cx43 mRNA and protein expression between droperidol and control group at 120 min (P > 0.05). Conclusion. P6 EA could improve QTc interval prolongation induced by droperidol, which may relate to upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and protein. Antiemetic dose of droperidol had minor effects on Cx43 mRNA and protein expression at 120 min.

Highlights

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complaints in the surgical patients, and its incidence still remains high [1]
In 2001, droperidol was issued with a “black box” warning regarding its potential QT interval prolongation and Torsades de Pointes by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was challenged by many anesthesiologists [2]
The FDA warned droperidol against its serious arrhythmias even at antiemetic “low” (0.625–1.25 mg) antiemetic doses, and more studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of droperidol [6]

Summary

Introduction

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complaints in the surgical patients, and its incidence still remains high [1]. Droperidol is one of the oldest and most controversial antiemetics used to treat PONV. In 2001, droperidol was issued with a “black box” warning regarding its potential QT interval prolongation and Torsades de Pointes by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was challenged by many anesthesiologists [2]. Nonpharmacological methods were considered in preventing PONV. P6 (Neiguan) acupuncture was effective in preventing and treating PONV with minor side effects [3]. P6 acupuncture showed antiarrhythmic effects and this might benefit the QT prolongation induced by droperidol. Gap junctions protein connexin (Cx43) played important roles in QT interval prolongation and Torsades de Pointes [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion