标题：Influence of Crocetin, a Natural Carotenoid Dicarboxylic Acid in Saffron, on L-Type Ca2 Current, Intracellular Ca2 Handling and Contraction of Isolated Rat Cardiomyocytes
摘要：Crocetin is a major bioactive ingredient in saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) and has favorable cardiovascular effects.Here, the effects of crocetin on L-type Ca2 current ( I Ca-L), contractility, and the Ca2 transients of rat cardiomyocytes, were investigated via patch-clamp technique and the Ion Optix system.A 600 µg/mL dose of crocetin decreased I Ca-L 31.50 ± 2.53% in normal myocytes and 35.56 ± 2.42% in ischemic myocytes, respectively.The current voltage nexus of the calcium current, the reversal of the calcium current, and the activation/deactivation of the calcium current was not changed.At 600 µg/mL, crocetin abated cell shortening by 28.6 ± 2.31%, with a decrease in the time to 50% of the peak and a decrease in the time to 50% of the baseline.At 600 µg/mL, crocetin abated the crest value of the ephemeral Ca2 by 31.87 ± 2.57%.The time to half maximal of Ca2 peak and the time constant of decay of Ca2 transient were both reduced.Our results suggest that crocetin inhibits L-type Ca2 channels, causing decreased intracellular Ca2 concentration and contractility in adult rat ventricular myocytes.These findings reveal crocetin's potential use as a calcium channel antagonist for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
