The natural compound TMYX reduces SAN cells rate by antagonizing the cAMP modulation of f-channels

Tongmai Yangxin (TMYX), is a complex compound of a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat several cardiac rhythm disorders; however, no information regarding its mechanism of action is available. In this study we provide a detailed characterization of the effects of TMYX on the electrical activity of pacemaker cells and unravel its mechanism of action. Single-cell electrophysiology revealed that TMYX elicits a reversible and dose-dependent (2/6 mg/ml) slowing of spontaneous action potentials rate (-20.8/-50.2%) by a selective reduction of the diastolic phase (-50.1/-76.0%). This action is mediated by a negative shift of the If activation curve (-6.7/-11.9 mV) and is caused by a reduction of the cAMP-induced stimulation of pacemaker channels. We provide evidence that TMYX acts by directly antagonizes the cAMP-induced allosteric modulation of the pacemaker channels. Noticeably, this mechanism functionally resembles the pharmacological actions of muscarinic stimulation or {beta}-blockers, but it does not require generalized changes in cytoplasmic cAMP levels thus ensuring a selective action on rate. In agreement with a competitive inhibition mechanism, TMYX exerts its maximal antagonistic action at submaximal cAMP concentrations and then progressively becomes less effective thus ensuring a full contribution of If to pacemaker rate during high metabolic demand and sympathetic stimulation. Funding sourcesThis work was supported by grants from Tianjin Zhongxin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. Le Ren Tang Pharmaceutical Factory P.R. China. The financial supporter played no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or the preparation of the manuscript.