Double Regulation of Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Oxidant Stress by Pirfenidone

Pirfenidone (PFD) is well-known for improving cardiac performance in models of disease. Thus, here we have investigated its functional effects on cardiomyocytes. Cells were cultured under control culture conditions or the presence of PFD (1 mM, 1-2d). Subsequently, they were subjected to electrical stimulation to examine the levels of intracellular Ca2+ and contractility. Remarkably, PFD improved both peak contraction and kinetics of shortening...