Mechanism of action of verbascoside on the isolated rat heart: Increases in level of prostacyclin

Abstract

The mechanism of the positive cardioactive effects induced by verbascoside in the Lagendorff rat heart has been investigated. Isolated rat hearts treated with α- or β-adrenergic agents did not show significant reduction of the positive chronotropism, inotropism and increased coronary perfusion rate mediated by verbascoside. A significant increase in prostacyclin levels (142%) observed following the administration of verbascoside suggests that prostacyclin stimulates formation of cAMP which induces the cardioactivity associated with verbascoside.