Electroacupuncture at BL15 Improved Arrhythmia Induced Cardiomyopathy Associated with Restoring Disordered Conduction and Calcium Handling

Objective: Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC) is a reversible dilated cardiomyopathy induced by rapid or irregular heartbeat. Acupuncture has a long history of use in the treatment of cardiac diseases, and Xinshu (BL15) is a key acupoint. However, the underlying mechanism of acupuncture at BL15 in the treatment of AIC has not yet been elucidated. Methods: AIC was induced in adult male SD rats by continuous administration of ACh-CaCl 2 and treatment with EA at bilateral BL15. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function; the rotarod test for motor coordination and performance; HE staining for the morphology of ventricles; electrocardiogram for susceptibility, inducibility, and duration of atrial fibrillation (AF); and electrical and optical mapping in isolated rat hearts maintained by the Langendorff perfusion system for electrical conduction and intracellular handling, respectively. RT-PCR and western blotting were used to determine the levels of cardiac conduction and intracellular calcium-handling proteins in the ventricle. Results: The results showed that EA improved the ejection factor and morphological indices on echocardiography, restored motor coordination and performance, and alleviated ventricular dilation and AF onset. EA alleviates atrial conduction disorders, shortens APD80, and decreases calcium handling in rats with AIC. Cx43 was downregulated and CaMKII was upregulated CaMKII, and both effects were reversed by EA treatment. Conclusion: Our study provides a novel AIC model with abnormal electrical propagation and calcium handling that can be protected by EA at BL15. This potential mechanism may be associated with the modulation of Cx43 and CaMKII expression. Graphical abstract: http://links.lww.com/AHM/A187