EFFECT OF OROTIC-ACID AND MAGNESIUM OROTATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF THE UM-X7.1 HAMSTER HEREDITARY CARDIOMYOPATHY

This study deals with the potential therapeutic effect of erotic acid (OA) and Mg Orotate (MgO) on myocardial degeneration and the developme nt of congestive heart failure in cardiomyopathic (CM) hamsters of the UM-X7.1 line. Two major age groups (group I, <30 days and group II, > 180 days old) were used in these experiments, which lasted 30 and 50 d ays, respectively; the erotic salts were incorporated (10%) into Purin a Lab Chow given ad libitum. Macroscopic and microscopic assessment of pathologic changes together with ECG recordings revealed that MgO tre atment significantly reduces myocardial damage, especially the severit y of calcific changes. ECG recordings clearly demonstrated a significa nt shortening of QTc and PR intervals, resulting in partial electrical stabilization of failing hearts, with a significant delay in systemic congestive changes. The prevention of heart lesions was less evident in animals receiving OA, but both preparations proved to be equally ef ficient in prolonging survival of the CM hamsters.