[Effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng on Ca2+ influx into myocardial cells].

Using simultaneous recording of action potential (AP) and contractile force (Fc) in right ventricle papillary muscle of guinea pig and measurement of 45Ca uptake by cultured myocardial cells of neonatal rat, the effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng (PNS) on the Ca2+ influx into myocardial cells were studied. The duration of the fast AP was shortened, Fc was decreased and the maximal upstroke velocity and amplitude of the slow AP were depressed by PNS. The 45Ca uptake by cultured myocardial cells of neonatal rat was inhibited by PNS. The results indicate that PNS can inhibit Ca2+ influx into myocardial cells.