Objective To observe the influence of electroacupuncture(EA) combined with aconitine on the hemodyna-mics

echocardiogram

and arrhythmias in heart failure rats

so as to explore the facilitation and attenuation effects of EA combined with aconitine. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into control

model

aconitine and aconitine+EA groups

with 6 rats in each group. Propranolol hydrochloride was used to establish the heart failure model. Rats in the aconitine group were trea-ted with aconitine continuously for 1 h(40 μg/kg). Rats in the aconitine +EA group were given the same treatment as the aconitine group

meanwhile

EA(3 mA

2 Hz/15 Hz) was applied at “Neiguan”(PC6) for 30 min. Left ventricular catheter and small animal ultrasound imaging system were used to observe the heart hemodynamic indexes such as left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP)

maximal rate for left ventricular pressure rising(+dp/dt_(max))

and maximal rate for left ventricular pressure declining(-dp/dt_(max))

ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS). The incidence rate of arrhythmia and arrhythmia score was observed by electrocardiogram. Results Following modeling and compared with the control group

LVSP

+dp/dt_(max)

-dp/dt_(max)

EF and FS in the aconitine group all decreased(P<0.01) and maintained in the model group. The LVSP of rats in the aconitine group was higher than that of the model group at 15 min after administration of aconitine(P<0.05)

and +dp/dt_(max) was higher at 15

60 min after administration(P<0.05). Since 15 min after administration

EF and FS in the aconitine group were significantly higher than those of the model group(P<0.01

P<0.05). After EA intervention

compared with the aconitine group

LVSP

+dp/dt_(max)

-dp/dt_(max) in the aconitine+EA group were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.05) during administration and EF and FS in the aconitine+EA group significantly increased at the beginning of administration of aconitine and 30 and 60 min during administration(P<0.05

P<0.01). The incidence rate of arrhythmia was 100% in the aconitine group

and 50.0% in the rats of aconitine + EA group. The arrhythmia score of aconitine + EA group was significantly lower than that of aconitine group(P<0.05). Conclusion Aconitine has a certain inotropic effect

but it is easy to cause arrhythmia. The combination of EA and aconitine can not only improve the contractile function of the heart in rats with heart failure

but also reduce the toxic reaction of aconitine.