Objective: To study the role of total flavonoids of hippophae rhamnoides in improving contractile [correction of contactile] function of stretched cardiac myocyte.
Method: Flavonoids were given to stretched myocytes which were proved their contractile function decline and then myocyte contractile mechanics characteristics and calcium transfer were measured.
Result: Flavonoids increased myocyte contractility, as indicated by myocyte shortening, velocity of shortening, peak +dL/dt and peak -dL/dt during shortening, in a concentration-dependent manner (r>0.9, P<0.001), and with no relation to the intracellular calcium transfer in the myocytes.
Conclusion: Flavonoids of the traditional Chinese drug hippophae rhamnoides is effective in improving the contractile function of stretched cardiac myocyte in low dosage.