Objective: To observe the effects of recombinant hk2a, a novel neurotoxin from the sea anemone Anthopleura sp. on the left ventricular function in New Zealand rabbits with chronic congestive heart failure(CCHF).
Methods: CHF model was established using New Zealand rabbits by abdominal aortic coarctation. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by Acuson ultrasound systems (Sequoia 512) at 0, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min respectively after intravenous injection with a single dose of recombinant hk2a (20 microg/kg x b x w.). The response of the rabbits to hk2a treatment was observed in comparison with that of the control group.
Results: Recombinant hk2a immediately and significantly increased the left ventricular ejection fraction of the rabbit models of CCHF after intravenous injection (P<0.05), and its effects were maintained for more than 1 h without affecting the heart rate.
Conclusion: recombinant hk2a significantly increases the left ventricular ejection fraction in New Zealand rabbits with CCHF.