Abstract: AIM: To observe the effects of nonenzymation glyscation inhibitor-aminoguanidine on cardiac myocyte apoptosis in diabetic rats with heart failure. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into six groups:12-week control group (n=8), 12-week diabetic group which induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (n=8), 12-week AG treated group (n=8), 24-week control group (n=10), 24-week diabetic group (n=10), and 24-week AG treated group (n=10).Heart function and ventricular remodeling parameters were observed at 12 and 24 weeks.The dynamic changes of cardiac myocyte in left venticle of diabetic rats were observed by situ TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscope.RESULTS: Abnormal heart function and myocyte apoptosis were observed at 12-week and aggravated at 24-week in diabetic rats.Electron microscopic features of cardiocyte apoptosis were identified in left ventricle.The heart function improved and the number of apoptosis myocytes decreased in AG group.CONCLUSION: Myocyte apoptosis plays an important role in the development of heart failure in diabetic rats.AG can improve the heart function and inhibit myocyte apoptosis.

Key words: diabetic, myocyte, apoptosis, aminoguanidine, rats