BPC 157 completely eliminated the hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias caused by succinylcholine while reversing muscle paralysis, damage, and pain in rats.
Complete eliminationBPC 157 fully prevented hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias from succinylcholine at both microgram and nanogram doses
What the researchers found
BPC 157 at both 10 µg/kg and 10 ng/kg doses completely eliminated succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias in rats. It also markedly attenuated or eliminated behavioral agitation, muscle twitches, motionless resting, and post-succinylcholine hyperalgesia (pain sensitivity).
BPC 157 immediately eliminated leg contractures and counteracted both edema and the decrease in muscle fibers in the diaphragm and tibial muscles. These protective effects were seen whether BPC 157 was given intraperitoneally 30 minutes before succinylcholine, immediately after, or orally in drinking water for 24 hours prior to succinylcholine administration.
Why it matters
Succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal complication during anesthesia. Having a peptide that can prevent or reverse these effects — especially one effective orally — could be clinically significant. This also adds to the growing body of BPC 157 research showing protective effects across multiple organ systems.
How the study worked
Rats received succinylcholine (1.0 mg/kg) injected into the right anterior tibial muscle. BPC 157 was administered via three routes: intraperitoneal injection 30 minutes before succinylcholine, intraperitoneal injection immediately after, or orally in drinking water for 24 hours before. Assessments were conducted at 3 min, 30 min, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days post-succinylcholine, evaluating muscle function, serum enzymes, potassium levels, cardiac rhythm, and behavioral outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
This was conducted entirely in rats, and the results have not been replicated in humans. The exact molecular mechanism by which BPC 157 counteracts succinylcholine's effects was not elucidated. The study comes from a research group that publishes extensively on BPC 157, and independent replication by other laboratories would strengthen the evidence. No human pharmacokinetic data exists for BPC 157.
How to read the evidence
This is a preclinical animal study in rats. While the results are striking (complete elimination of dangerous side effects), no human data exists for BPC 157, and the study comes from a single research group that is the primary publisher of BPC 157 research.
When this study was published
Published in 2016 in the European Journal of Pharmacology. Despite being several years old, BPC 157 still has not entered human clinical trials for any indication, making all evidence preclinical.
The bigger picture
BPC 157 is one of the most-studied gastric pentadecapeptides, with over 100 animal studies showing protective effects on muscles, tendons, the gut, brain, and cardiovascular system. This study extends its potential to anesthesiology, where dangerous drug reactions remain a significant clinical concern. However, BPC 157 still lacks human clinical trial data.
Questions still open
- What is the molecular mechanism by which BPC 157 prevents succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia?
- Could BPC 157 be used prophylactically before surgery to prevent succinylcholine complications in high-risk patients?
- When will BPC 157 be tested in human clinical trials for any indication?
Common questions
What is BPC 157?
Why is succinylcholine dangerous?
Read the original research
BPC 157: The counteraction of succinylcholine, hyperkalemia, and arrhythmias.
European journal of pharmacology, 781, 83-91
Citation
Stambolija, Vasilije; Stambolija, Tamara Perleta; Holjevac, Jadranka Katancic; Murselovic, Tamara; Radonic, Jelena; Duzel, Viktor; Duplancic, Bozidar; Uzun, Sandra; Zivanovic-Posilovic, Gordana; Kolenc, Danijela; Drmic, Domagoj; Romic, Zeljko; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag. (2016). BPC 157: The counteraction of succinylcholine, hyperkalemia, and arrhythmias.. European journal of pharmacology, 781, 83-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.04.004