Acute exposure to Catha edulis depresses contractility and induces myocardial infarction in spontaneously contracting, isolated rabbit’s heart

Abstract EN

Khat chewing is a recreational habit known to pose major socio-economic and medical problems in countries of Southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa.

Among other adverse health effects, khat chewing has been associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in heavy consumers.

This study was carried out to examine the direct effects of Catha edulis extract on contractility of spontaneously contracting, isolated rabbit heart and to investigate its mechanism of action.

Isolated six rabbit’s hearts attached to a Langendorff apparatus were perfused with extract at a constant flow rate and continuously bubbled with a 95% O2/5% CO2 gas mixture.

Each heart served as its own control, as responses were recorded before and after administration of