In a joint study, scientists have discovered that the decreased release of the neuro-transmitter acetylcholine, a chemical messenger slows cardiac activity contributing to heart failure.

Heart failure is the result of a combination of conditions like coronary disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high alcohol or drug consumption. According to the scientists, two opposing divisions of the autonomic nervous system control cardiac activity. The sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate, while the parasympathetic system by releasing acetylcholine slows it down.

Experts from the Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario in collaboration with Brazilian scientists using a genetically-modified mouse line identified a lowered release of the chemical messenger slowed cardiac activity, thus contributing to heart failure.

Robert Gros, a cardiovascular researcher from the Canadian university said that their mouse model showed, even if the sympathetic nervous system is functional, if the parasympathetic system is dysfunctional or under-performs, the end result is still a a sick heart.

One of the striking finds was that heart dysfunction in the study mice was correctable by treating the rodents with an existing drug called Pyridostigmine, which increased acetylcholine levels. However, further study is required though these findings provide a novel opportunity for treating failing hearts.

Currently, the drug Pyridostigmine has been approved for treating certain cases of muscle weakness.

The study's findings have been published online in Molecular and Cellular Biology.