[Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on electrophysiological activities of acute experimental Coxsackie B3 viral myocarditis in mice].

A murine model for observing the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on electrophysiological activity of the right ventricular myocardium was developed in 4 week-old male BALB/c mice infected with Coxsackie B3 virus (CB3V). The conventional microelectrode technique and real-time microcomputer data processor system was used. The survival rate in infected-AM treated mice was significantly higher and the percentage of abnormal action potential was much lower than those in control mice (P < 0.05 and < 0.01 respectively). Some abnormal electrophysiological parameters, such as APA, OS and Vmax in infected myocardium were found to be improved by AM treatment. Single dose of AM did not show beneficial effect in murine myocardium infected with CB3V. The results suggested that AM might be valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute myocarditis involving Coxsackie B3 virus.