The cardiac beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein(s)-adenylyl cyclase system in monocrotaline-treated rats

Calorie restriction anti-hypertrophic effects are associated with improved mitochondrial content, blockage of Ca2+-induced mitochondrial damage, and lower reverse electron transport-mediated oxidative stress

Calorie restriction is a nutritional intervention that reproducibly protects against the maladaptive consequences of cardiovascular diseases. Pathological cardiac hypertrophy leads to cellular growth, dysfunction (with mitochondrial dysregulation), and oxidative stress. The mechanisms behind the cardiovascular protective effects of calorie restriction are still under investigation. In this study, we show that this dietetic intervention prevents cardiac protein elevation, avoids fetal gene reprogramming (atrial natriuretic peptide), and blocks the increase in heart weight per tibia length index (HW/TL) seen in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Our findings suggest that calorie restriction inhibits cardiac pathological growth while also lowering mitochondrial reverse electron transport-induced hydrogen peroxide formation and improving mitochondrial content. Calorie restriction also attenuated the opening of the Ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore. We also found that calorie restriction blocked the negative correlation of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dimutase and glutatione peroxidase activity) and HW/TL, leading to the maintenance of protein sulphydryls and glutathione levels. Given the nature of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy, we investigated whether calorie restriction could alter cardiac beta-adrenergic sensitivity. Using isolated rat hearts in a Langendorff system, we found that calorie restricted hearts have preserved beta-adrenergic signaling. In contrast, hypertrophic hearts (treated for seven days with isoproterenol) were insensitive to beta-adrenergic activation using isoproterenol (50 nM). Despite protecting against cardiac hypertrophy, calorie restriction did not alter the lack of responsiveness to isoproterenol in isolated hearts harvested from isoproterenol-treated rats. These results suggest (through a series of mitochondrial, oxidative stress, and cardiac hemodynamic studies) that calorie restriction possesses beneficial effects against hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Increased Mitochondrial Calcium Fluxes in Hypertrophic Right Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Pulmonary artery hypertension causes right ventricular hypertrophy which rapidly progresses to heart failure with underlying cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Prior to failure, there are alterations in cytosolic Ca²⁺ handling that might impact mitochondrial function in the compensatory phase of RV hypertrophy. Our aims, therefore, were (i) to measure beat-to-beat mitochondrial Ca²⁺ fluxes, and (ii) to determine mitochondrial abundance and function in non-failing, hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Male Wistar rats were injected with either saline (CON) or monocrotaline (MCT) to induce pulmonary artery hypertension and RV hypertrophy after four weeks. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_cyto) transients were obtained in isolated right ventricular (RV) cardiomyocytes, and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_mito) was recorded in separate RV cardiomyocytes. The distribution and abundance of key proteins was determined using confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. The RV mitochondrial function was also assessed in RV homogenates using oxygraphy. The MCT cardiomyocytes had increased area, larger [Ca²⁺]_cyto transients, increased Ca²⁺ store content, and faster trans-sarcolemmal Ca²⁺ extrusion relative to CON. The MCT cardiomyocytes also had larger [Ca²⁺]_mito transients. STED images detected increased mitochondrial protein abundance (TOM20 clusters per μm²) in MCT, yet no difference was found when comparing mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential between the groups. We suggest that the larger [Ca²⁺]_mito transients compensate to match ATP supply to the increased energy demands of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes.

Response of non-failing hypertrophic rat hearts to prostaglandin F2α

Background

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) has a positively inotropic effect on right ventricular (RV) trabeculae from healthy adult rat hearts, and may therefore be therapeutically useful as a non-catecholaminergic inotrope. These provide additional contractile support for the heart without the added energetic demand of increased heart rate, and are also suitable for patients with reduced β adrenergic receptor (β-AR) responsiveness, or impaired mitochondrial energy supply. However, the response of hypertrophied rat hearts to PGF2α has not previously been examined. Our aim was therefore to determine the effect of PGF2α on isolated perfused rat hearts with RV hypertrophy following induction of pulmonary artery hypertension.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (300 g) were injected with either 60 mg kg⁻¹ of monocrotaline (MCT, n = 10) or sterile saline as control (CON, n = 11). Four weeks post injection; hearts were isolated and Langendorff-perfused in sinus rhythm. Measurement of left ventricular (LV) pressure and the electrocardiogram were made and the response to 0.3 μM PGF2α was determined.

Results

PGF2α increased LV developed pressure in CON and in 60% MCT hearts, with no change in heart rate. However, 40% of MCT hearts developed arrhythmias during the peak inotropic response. For comparison, the response to 0.03 μM isoproterenol (ISO) was also investigated. Peak LV pressure developed sooner in response to ISO compared to PGF2α in both rat groups, although the inotropic response to ISO was reduced in MCT hearts. Analysis of fixed ventricular tissue confirmed that only RV myocytes were hypertrophied in MCT hearts. Our study showed that PGF2α was positively inotropic for healthy hearts, but found it generated arrhythmias in 40% of MCT hearts at the dose investigated. However, a more physiological dose of PGF2α may be a useful alternative without the added energetic cost of catecholaminergic inotropes.

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PGF2α elicits a positive inotropic response in isolated, perfused healthy and hypertrophic rat hearts, with no chronotropic effects, unlike β-AR stimulation.

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The dose of 0.3 μM PGF2α investigated also triggered sustained, slow onset, arrhythmic activity in 40% of hypertrophic MCT hearts.

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The peak inotropic response to PGF2α is slower to establish in comparison to the characteristic response to β-AR stimulation, which suggests PGF2α acts via a separate signalling pathway within cardiomyocytes.

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Hypertrophic MCT hearts had a reduced inotropic response to β-AR stimulation, which illustrates the importance of developing non-catecholaminergic inotropes which will eliminate the increased energetic cost and improve myocardial performance.

Energy Metabolism in the Failing Right Ventricle: Limitations of Oxygen Delivery and the Creatine Kinase System

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results in hypertrophic remodeling of the right ventricle (RV) to overcome increased pulmonary pressure. This increases the O2 consumption of the myocardium, and without a concomitant increase in energy generation, a mismatch with demand may occur. Eventually, RV function can no longer be sustained, and RV failure occurs. Beta-adrenergic blockers (BB) are thought to improve survival in left heart failure, in part by reducing energy expenditure and hypertrophy, however they are not currently a therapy for PAH. The monocrotaline (MCT) rat model of PAH was used to investigate the consequence of RV failure on myocardial oxygenation and mitochondrial function. A second group of MCT rats was treated daily with the beta-1 blocker metoprolol (MCT + BB). Histology confirmed reduced capillary density and increased capillary supply area without indications of capillary rarefaction in MCT rats. A computer model of O2 flux was applied to the experimentally recorded capillary locations and predicted a reduction in mean tissue PO2 in MCT rats. The fraction of hypoxic tissue (defined as PO2 < 0.5 mmHg) was reduced following beta-1 blocker (BB) treatment. The functionality of the creatine kinase (CK) energy shuttle was measured in permeabilized RV myocytes by sequential ADP titrations in the presence and absence of creatine. Creatine significantly decreased the KmADP in cells from saline-injected control (CON) rats, but not MCT rats. The difference in KmADP with or without creatine was not different in MCT + BB cells compared to CON or MCT cells. Improved myocardial energetics could contribute to improved survival of PAH with chronic BB treatment.

Distribution and properties of cardiac and pulmonary β-adrenergic receptors in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor)

The aim of the present study was to characterize β-adrenergic receptors in the snake heart and lung of corn and Boa constrictor snakes. The β-adrenergic receptor binding sites were studied in purified heart and lung membranes using the specific β-adrenergic receptor antagonist [¹²⁵J]-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) and subtypes using selective β₁-adrenergic receptor antagonist CGP-20712A and selective β₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist ICI-118.551. A saturable and specific β-adrenergic receptor binding site was detected in cardiac membranes with maximal receptor density (B_max) of 43.99 ± 3.86 fmol/mg protein (corn snake) and 58.07 ± 2.88 fmol/mg protein (Boa constrictor) as well as K_D of 24.21 ± 7.38 pM (corn snake) and 21.48 ± 3.85 pM (Boa constrictor) and in lung membranes (B_max fmol/mg protein: 55.95 ± 16.28 (corn snake) and 107.00 ± 14.21 (Boa constrictor); K_D pM: 71.25 ± 21.92 (corn snake) and 55.04 ± 18.68 (Boa constrictor)). Competition-binding studies showed β-adrenergic receptors with low affinities to the β₂-selective adrenergic receptor antagonist and high affinity binding to β₁-selective adrenergic receptor antagonist in both heart and lung tissues of both snake species, suggesting the presence of high population of the post-synaptic β₁-adrenergic receptor subtype. It seems that the presence of the predominant β₁-subtype also in lung tissues may indicate the importance of the vascular system in the snake lung.

Three-Dimensional and Chemical Mapping of Intracellular Signaling Nanodomains in Health and Disease with Enhanced Expansion Microscopy

Nanodomains are intracellular foci which transduce signals between major cellular compartments. One of the most ubiquitous signal transducers, the ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium channel, is tightly clustered within these nanodomains. Super-resolution microscopy has previously been used to visualize RyR clusters near the cell surface. A majority of nanodomains located deeper within cells have remained unresolved due to limited imaging depths and axial resolution of these modalities. A series of enhancements made to expansion microscopy allowed individual RyRs to be resolved within planar nanodomains at the cell periphery and the curved nanodomains located deeper within the interiors of cardiomyocytes. With a resolution of ∼ 15 nm, we localized both the position of RyRs and their individual phosphorylation for the residue Ser2808. With a three-dimensional imaging protocol, we observed disturbances to the RyR arrays in the nanometer scale which accompanied right-heart failure caused by pulmonary hypertension. The disease coincided with a distinct gradient of RyR hyperphosphorylation from the edge of the nanodomain toward the center, not seen in healthy cells. This spatial profile appeared to contrast distinctly from that sustained by the cells during acute, physiological hyperphosphorylation when they were stimulated with a β-adrenergic agonist. Simulations of RyR arrays based on the experimentally determined channel positions and phosphorylation signatures showed how the nanoscale dispersal of the RyRs during pathology diminishes its intrinsic likelihood to ignite a calcium signal. It also revealed that the natural topography of RyR phosphorylation could offset potential heterogeneity in nanodomain excitability which may arise from such RyR reorganization.

The Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the Right Ventricle in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pressure overload of the right ventricle (RV) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to RV remodeling and failure, an important determinant of outcome in patients with PAH. Several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are differentially regulated in the RV myocardium, contributing to the pathogenesis of RV adverse remodeling and dysfunction. Many pharmacological agents that target GPCRs have been demonstrated to result in beneficial effects on left ventricular (LV) failure, such as beta-adrenergic receptor and angiotensin receptor antagonists. However, the role of such drugs on RV remodeling and performance is not known at this time. Moreover, many of these same receptors are also expressed in the pulmonary vasculature, which could result in complex effects in PAH. This manuscript reviews the role of GPCRs in the RV remodeling and dysfunction and discusses activating and blocking GPCR signaling to potentially attenuate remodeling while promoting improvements of RV function in PAH.

Calcium mishandling impairs contraction in right ventricular hypertrophy prior to overt heart failure

Currently, there are no tailored therapies available for the treatment of right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, and the cellular mechanisms that underlie the disease are poorly understood. We investigated the cellular changes that occur early in the progression of the disease, when RV hypertrophy is evident, but prior to the onset of heart failure. Intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) handling was examined in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension and subsequent RV hypertrophy. [Ca²⁺]_i and stress production were measured in isolated RV trabeculae under baseline conditions (1-Hz stimulation, 1.5 mM [Ca²⁺]_o, 37 °C), and in response to inotropic interventions (5-Hz stimulation or 1-μM isoproterenol). Under baseline conditions, MCT trabeculae had impaired Ca²⁺ release in response to stimulation with a 45% delay in the time-to-peak Ca²⁺, but there was no difference in the amplitude and decay of the Ca²⁺ transient, or active stress relative to RV trabeculae from normotensive hearts (CON). Increasing stimulation frequency from 1 to 5 Hz increased stress in CON, but not MCT trabeculae. Similarly, β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol increased Ca²⁺ transient amplitude and active stress in CON, but not in MCT trabeculae, despite accelerating Ca²⁺ transient decay in trabeculae from both groups. During isoproterenol treatment, MCT trabeculae showed increased diastolic Ca²⁺ leak, which may explain the blunted inotropic response to β-adrenergic stimulation. Confocal imaging of trabeculae fixed following functional measurements showed that myocytes were on average wider, and transverse-tubule organisation was disrupted in MCT which provides a mechanism to explain the observed slower release of Ca²⁺.

Aberrant gene expression of heparanase in ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rats

The gene expression levels of heparanase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 were examined in ventricles after treatment with monocrotaline (MCT) to induce cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) or saline. Twenty-five days after the injection, the right ventricle and lung wet weights were increased in MCT-treated rats compared with the control. Histological analysis revealed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the right ventricle of MCT-treated rats. Northern blot hybridization showed that heparanase and MMP2 expression increased significantly in the right and left ventricles of MCT-treated rats, whereas MMP9 was not induced. These findings indicate that heparanase and MMP2 might play an important role in the development of MCT-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Determination of the effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension and therapy on the cardiovascular system of rats by impedance cardiography

Aim

To evaluate the effects of bosentan, sildenafil, and combined therapy on the cardiovascular system using impedance cardiography (ICG) in rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

Seventy male Wistar-albino rats were randomized into five groups. A single dose of MCT was given to all rats, except to the control group. After 4 weeks, bosentan, sildenafil, and combined treatment was started and lasted for 3 weeks. The last group that developed PAH did not receive any medication. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed to determine the PAH development. Thoracic fluid content index (TFCI), stroke volume index (SI), heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI), and myocardial contractility index (IC) were determined. All procedures were performed at the baseline and after 4 and 7 weeks.

Results

Echocardiographic parameters showed that the all MCT-injected rats developed PAH. There were no significant inter- and intra-group differences in TFCI, SI, and IC (P > 0.05), but at the 7th week, CI value in the sildenafil-treated PAH rats was significantly higher than in other groups and HR of PAH rats with combined therapy was significantly lower than in other groups.

Conclusion

PAH did not have an effect on LV function of rats, or if it did, the effect was compensated by physiological processes. Also, sildenafil treatment deteriorated the LV cardiac index.

Small and large animal models in cardiac contraction research: advantages and disadvantages

The mammalian heart is responsible for not only pumping blood throughout the body but also adjusting this pumping activity quickly depending upon sudden changes in the metabolic demands of the body. For the most part, the human heart is capable of performing its duties without complications; however, throughout many decades of use, at some point this system encounters problems. Research into the heart's activities during healthy states and during adverse impacts that occur in disease states is necessary in order to strategize novel treatment options to ultimately prolong and improve patients' lives. Animal models are an important aspect of cardiac research where a variety of cardiac processes and therapeutic targets can be studied. However, there are differences between the heart of a human being and an animal and depending on the specific animal, these differences can become more pronounced and in certain cases limiting. There is no ideal animal model available for cardiac research, the use of each animal model is accompanied with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this review, we will discuss these advantages and disadvantages of commonly used laboratory animals including mouse, rat, rabbit, canine, swine, and sheep. Since the goal of cardiac research is to enhance our understanding of human health and disease and help improve clinical outcomes, we will also discuss the role of human cardiac tissue in cardiac research. This review will focus on the cardiac ventricular contractile and relaxation kinetics of humans and animal models in order to illustrate these differences.

Differential calcium handling in two canine models of right ventricular pressure overload

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize differential right atrial (RA) and ventricular (RV) molecular changes in Ca(2+)-handling proteins consequent to RV pressure overload and hypertrophy in two common, yet distinct models of pulmonary hypertension: dehydromonocrotaline (DMCT) toxicity and pulmonary artery (PA) banding.

METHODS

A total of 18 dogs underwent sternotomy in four groups: (1) DMCT toxicity (n = 5), (2) mild PA banding over 10 wk to match the RV pressure rise with DMCT (n = 5); (3) progressive PA banding to generate severe RV overload (n = 4); and (4) sternotomy only (n = 4).

RESULTS

In the right ventricle, with DMCT, there was no change in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) or phospholamban (PLB), but we saw a trend toward down-regulation of phosphorylated PLB at serine-16 (p[Ser-16]PLB) (P = 0.07). Similarly, with mild PA banding, there was no change in SERCA or PLB, but p(Ser-16)PLB was down-regulated by 74% (P < 0.001). With severe PA banding, there was no change in PLB, but SERCA fell by 57% and p(Ser-16)PLB fell by 67% (P < 0.001). In the right atrium, with DMCT, there were no significant changes. With both mild and severe PA banding, p(Ser-16)PLB fell (P < 0.001), but SERCA and PLB did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

Perturbations in Ca(2+)-handling proteins depend on the degree of RV pressure overload and the model used to mimic the RV effects of pulmonary hypertension. They are similar, but blunted, in the atrium compared with the ventricle.

Alteration of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in rabbit aortic smooth muscle during left ventricular hypertrophy

We investigated the impairment of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels in aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) from isoproterenol-induced hypertrophied rabbits. The amplitude of K(ATP) channels induced by the K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil (10 μM) was greater in ASMCs from control than from hypertrophied animals. In phenylephrine-preconstricted aortic rings, pinacidil induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner. The dose-dependent curve was shifted to the right in the hypertrophied (EC(50): 17.80 ± 3.28 μM) compared with the control model (EC(50): 6.69 ± 2.40 μM). Although the level of Kir6.2 subtype expression did not differ between ASMCs from the control and hypertrophied models, those of the Kir6.1 and SUR2B subtypes were decreased in the hypertrophied model. Application of the calcitonin-gene related peptide (100 nM) and adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin (10 μM), which activates protein kinase A (PKA) and consequently K(ATP) channels, induced a K(ATP) current in both control and hypertrophied animals; however, the K(ATP) current amplitude did not differ between the two groups. Furthermore, PKA expression was not altered between the control and hypertrophied animals. These results suggests that the decreased K(ATP) current amplitude and K(ATP) channel-induced vasorelaxation in the hypertrophied animals were attributable to the reduction in K(ATP) channel expression but not to changes in the intracellular signaling mechanism that activates the K(ATP) current.

Possible involvement of mitochondrial energy-producing ability in the development of right ventricular failure in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats

The present study was undertaken to explore the possible involvement of alterations in the mitochondrial energy-producing ability in the development of the right ventricular failure in monocrotaline-administered rats. The rats at the 6th week after subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg monocrotaline revealed marked myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, that is, severe cardiac remodeling. The time-course study on the cardiac hemodynamics of the monocrotaline-administered rat by the cannula and echocardiographic methods showed a reduction in cardiac double product, a decrease in cardiac output index, and an increase in the right ventricular Tei index, suggesting that the right ventricular failure was induced at the 6th week after monocrotaline administration in rats. The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate of the right ventricular muscle isolated from the monocrotaline-administered animal was decreased, which was associated with a reduction in myocardial high-energy phosphates. Furthermore, the decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate was inversely related to the increase in the right ventricular Tei index of the monocrotaline-administered rats. These results suggest that impairment of the mitochondrial energy-producing ability is involved in the development of the right ventricular failure in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats.

Tadalafil, a long-acting inhibitor of PDE5, improves pulmonary hemodynamics and survival rate of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension in rats

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of tadalafil (0.5, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg per day) on the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in early treatment and on the survival rate in late treatment on the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model. Tadalafil was administered once daily to rats for 3 weeks from the day of MCT-injection or 21 days after the injection. With early treatment, tadalafil at 10 mg/kg per day prevented the development of PAH by maintaining mean pulmonary artery pressure within the normal range and attenuated right ventricular hypertrophy. With late treatment, tadalafil tended to increase the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and dose-dependently improved the survival rate by 55%, 60%, and 70% at 0.5, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg per day, respectively, versus 40% in the MCT-control group. Both early and late treatments with tadalafil were associated with elevated lung cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). These results suggest that tadalafil relaxes pulmonary arteries by elevating cGMP in lungs and extend survival time by improving pulmonary hemodynamics even when treatment occurs in the late phase of PAH. Thus, it is expected that tadalafil may be an effective, once-daily treatment option in humans with PAH.

Effects of a pure alpha/beta-adrenergic receptor blocker on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension with right ventricular hypertrophy in rats

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how much the sympathetic nervous system is involved in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The present study examined whether or not a pure alpha/beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (arotinolol) could prevent the development of PAH and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The heart rate, arterial blood pressure (BP), left ventricular pressure, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and right ventricular pressure (RVP) were measured after administration of arotinolol or saline for 2 weeks. Ventricular weight and myocyte size were also measured. Mean PAP was increased less in the arotinolol group (n=6), (53 +/-9 vs 21 +/-2 mmHg in the control (n=6); P<0.01). Systolic RVP was also less in the arotinolol group (41 +/-3 vs 91 +/-14 mmHg in the control, P<0.05) without differences in BP. It also significantly reduced the RV/body weight ratio (0.58 +/-0.01 vs 0.77 +/-0.04 mg/g; P<0.01). Furthermore, the myocyte width was significantly decreased in the arotinolol group.

CONCLUSIONS

The pure alpha/beta-blocker arotinolol prevented the progression of MCT-induced PAH and RVH in rats, suggesting that sympathetic nervous activation might play a role in the development of PAH.

Alterations in pharmacological action of the right ventricle of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats

The present study was undertaken to elucidate pathophysiological and pharmacological alterations in the right ventricle in monocrotaline-administered (MCT) rats. Examination of tissue weights of the MCT and age-matched control (CON) rats indicated the right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy until 8 weeks after a single subcutaneous administration of 60 mg/kg MCT. Apparent fibrosis in the right ventricle of the MCT rat at the 6th week (6w-MCT) was observed. Echocardiographic measurement of the cardiac and hemodynamic parameters of the MCT rat showed decreases in cardiac output and stroke volume indices at the 6th and 8th weeks. The RV Tei index, which increase represents aggravation of RV function, was augmented at the 4th to 8th week. The results suggest the genesis of cardiac and RV failure until 6 weeks after MCT administration. Injection of dobutamine (300 ng) or colforsin daropate (1 microg) into the perfused right ventricle isolated from CON rat at the 6th week resulted in a marked increase in cardiac double product, whereas injection of either agent into the right ventricle from the 6w-MCT rat elicited a small increase in the double product, followed by a sustained decrease in the developed tension. Infusion of acetylcholine (1 microg) into the RV muscle of the 6w-MCT rat resulted in prolongation of the periods for cardiac arrest and for bradycardia of the right ventricle. The results suggest that MCT administration causes the RV hypertrophy and eventually leads to the RV failure, accompanied by abnormal inotropic and chronotropic actions of the RV muscle.

Frequency-dependent myofilament Ca2+ desensitization in failing rat myocardium

The positive force-frequency relation, one of the key factors modulating performance of healthy myocardium, has been attributed to an increased Ca(2+) influx per unit of time. In failing hearts, a blunted, flat or negative force-frequency relation has been found. In healthy and failing hearts frequency-dependent alterations in Ca(2+) sensitivity of the myofilaments, related to different phosphorylation levels of contractile proteins, could contribute to this process. Therefore, the frequency dependency of force, intracellular free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)), Ca(2+) sensitivity and contractile protein phosphorylation were determined in control and monocrotaline-treated, failing rat hearts. An increase in frequency from 0.5 to 6 Hz resulted in an increase in force in control (14.3 +/- 3.0 mN mm(-2)) and a decrease in force in failing trabeculae (9.4 +/- 3.2 mN mm(-2)), whereas in both groups the amplitude of [Ca(2+)](i) transient increased. In permeabilized cardiomyocytes, isolated from control hearts paced at 0 and 9 Hz, Ca(2+) sensitivity remained constant with frequency (pCa(50): 5.55 +/- 0.02 and 5.58 +/- 0.01, respectively, P>0.05), whereas in cardiomyocytes from failing hearts Ca(2+) sensitivity decreased with frequency (pCa(50): 5.62 +/- 0.01 and 5.57 +/- 0.01, respectively, P<0.05). After incubation of the cardiomyocytes with protein kinase A (PKA) this frequency dependency of Ca(2+) sensitivity was abolished. Troponin I (TnI) and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) phosphorylation remained constant in control hearts but both increased with frequency in failing hearts. In conclusion, in heart failure frequency-dependent myofilament Ca(2+) desensitization, through increased TnI phosphorylation, contributes to the negative force-frequency relation and is counteracted by a frequency-dependent MLC2 phosphorylation. We propose a novel role for PKC-mediated TnI phosphorylation in modulating the force-frequency relation.

Decreased left ventricular function, myocarditis, and coronary arteriolar medial thickening following monocrotaline administration in adult rats

Decreased right as well as left ventricular function can be associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Numerous investigations have examined cardiac function following induction of pulmonary hypertension with monocrotaline (MCT) assuming that MCT has no direct cardiac effect. We tested this assumption by examining left ventricular function and histology of isolated and perfused hearts from MCT-treated rats. Experiments were performed on 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats [348 +/- 6 g (SD)]. Thirty-seven rats received MCT (50 mg/kg sc; MCT group) while the remainder did not (Control group). Three weeks later, pulmonary artery pressure was assessed echocardiographically in 20 MCT and 8 Control rats. The hearts were then excised and perfused in the constant pressure Langendorff mode to determine peak left ventricular pressure (LVP), the peak instantaneous rate of pressure increase (+dP/dtmax) and decrease (-dP/dtmax), as well as the rate pressure product (RPP). Histological sections were subsequently examined. Pulmonary artery pressure was higher in the MCT-treated group compared with the Control group [12.9 +/- 6 vs. 51 +/- 35.3 mmHg (P < 0.01)]. Left ventricular systolic function and diastolic relaxation were decreased in the MCT group compared with the Control group (+dP/dtmax 4,178 +/- 388 vs. 2,801 +/- 503 mmHg/s, LVP 115 +/- 11 vs. 83 +/- 14 mmHg, RPP 33,688 +/- 1,910 vs. 23,541 +/- 3,858 beats x min(-1) x mmHg(-1), -dP/dtmax -3,036 +/- 247 vs. -2,091 +/- 389 mmHg/s; P < 0.0001). The impairment of cardiac function was associated with myocarditis and coronary arteriolar medial thickening. Similarly depressed ventricular function and inflammatory infiltration was seen in 12 rats 7 days after MCT administration. Our findings appear unrelated to the degree of PH and indicate a direct cardiotoxic effect of MCT.

CaMKII-mediated increased lusitropic responses to β-adrenoreceptor stimulation in ANP-receptor deficient mice

OBJECTIVE

Mice with genetic disruption of the guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), have chronic arterial hypertension and marked cardiac hypertrophy. Intriguingly, despite pronounced remodeling, cardiac contractile functions and cardiomyocyte Ca(2+)-handling are preserved and even enhanced. The present study aimed to characterize the specific molecular mechanisms preventing cardiac failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Contractile function and expression as well as phosphorylation of regulatory proteins were evaluated in isolated perfused working hearts from wild-type and GC-A KO mice under baseline conditions and during beta(1)-adrenergic stimulation. Ca(i)(2+)-transients were monitored in Indo-1 loaded isolated adult cardiomyocytes. Cardiac contractile, especially lusitropic responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation was significantly increased in GC-A KO mice. This was concomitant to enhanced expression and activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), increased dual-site phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) at Ser(16) and Thr(17), enhanced amplitude of Ca(i)(2+) transients, and accelerated Ca(i)(2+) decay. In contrast, the expression of cardiac ryanodine receptors and phosphorylation at Ser(2809) and Ser(2815) was not altered. Pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII-but not of protein kinase A-mediated PLB phosphorylation totally abolished the increased effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation on cardiac contractility and Ca(i)(2+)-handling. Thus, acceleration of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-uptake and increased availability of Ca(2+) for contraction, both secondary to increased CaMKII-mediated PLB phosphorylation, seem to mediate the augmented responsiveness of GC-A KO hearts to catecholamines.

CONCLUSION

Our observations show that increased CaMKII activity enhances the contractile relaxation response of hypertrophic GC-A KO hearts to beta-adrenergic stimulation and emphasize the critical role of CaMKII-dependent pathways in beta(1)-adrenoreceptor modulation of myocardial Ca(2+)-homeostasis and contractility.

Myocardial dysfunction and neurohumoral activation without remodeling in left ventricle of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats

In monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH), only the right ventricle (RV) endures overload, but both ventricles are exposed to enhanced neuroendocrine stimulation. To assess whether in long-standing PH the left ventricular (LV) myocardium molecular/contractile phenotype can be disturbed, we evaluated myocardial function, histology, and gene expression of autocrine/paracrine systems in rats with severe PH 6 wk after subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT. The overloaded RV underwent myocardial hypertrophy ( P < 0.001) and fibrosis ( P = 0.014) as well as increased expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (8-fold; P < 0.001), endothelin-1 (ET-1) (6-fold; P < 0.001), and type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) (15-fold; P < 0.001). Despite the similar upregulation of ET-1 (8-fold; P < 0.001) and overexpression of ACE (4-fold; P < 0.001) without BNP elevation, the nonoverloaded LV myocardium was neither hypertrophic nor fibrotic. LV indexes of contractility ( P < 0.001) and relaxation ( P = 0.03) were abnormal, however, and LV muscle strips from MCT-treated compared with sham rats presented negative ( P = 0.003) force-frequency relationships (FFR). Despite higher ET-1 production, BQ-123 (ETA antagonist) did not alter LV MCT-treated muscle strip contractility distinctly ( P = 0.005) from the negative inotropic effect exerted on shams. Chronic daily therapy with 250 mg/kg bosentan (dual endothelin receptor antagonist) after MCT injection not only attenuated RV hypertrophy and local neuroendocrine activation but also completely reverted FFR of LV muscle strips to positive values. In conclusion, the LV myocardium is altered in advanced MCT-induced PH, undergoing neuroendocrine activation and contractile dysfunction in the absence of hypertrophy or fibrosis. Neuroendocrine mediators, particularly ET-1, may participate in this functional deterioration.

Reduced inotropic effect of nifekalant in failing hearts in rats

Class III antiarrhythmic agents have been widely used to suppress ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with heart failure because they have been shown to have positive inotropic effects as well. However, it remains to be examined whether those agents also exert positive inotropic effects in failing hearts. We addressed this important issue in a rat model of heart failure. We used Nifekalant as a representative class III antiarrhythmic agent. Four weeks after a s.c. injection of 60 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT) or vehicle (Ctr) into rats, we obtained trabeculae from right ventricles and measured the developed force and intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) by the fura-2 microinjection method. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content was assessed by the rapid-cooling contracture (RCC) technique. MCT rats exhibited right ventricular hypertrophy induced by pressure overload. The protein expression of SR Ca(2+) ATPase type 2 (SERCA2) and the SERCA2/phospholamban ratio in MCT rats was lower with a slower decline of Ca(2+) transients and a reduced amplitude of RCCs. Nifekalant concentration-dependently increased the force, peak [Ca(2+)](i), and the amplitude of RCCs in Ctr rats but not in MCT rats with identical prolongation of the action potential. Under the SR inhibited with cyclopiazonic acid and ryanodine, Nifekalant increased the force in Ctr rats but not in MCT rats. These results indicate that the positive inotropic effects of Nifekalant is reduced in failing hearts, probably due to the depressed SR Ca(2+) uptake and reduced reserve of the trans-sarcolemmal Ca(2+) transport, warranting a caution in the antiarrhythmic therapy with a class III antiarrhythmic agent in heart failure.

Characterization of right ventricular function after monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in the intact rat

We characterized hemodynamics and systolic and diastolic right ventricular (RV) function in relation to structural changes in the rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension. Rats were treated with MCT at 30 mg/kg body wt (MCT30, n = 15) and 80 mg/kg body wt (MCT80, n = 16) to induce compensated RV hypertrophy and RV failure, respectively. Saline-treated rats served as control (Cont, n = 13). After 4 wk, a pressure-conductance catheter was introduced into the RV to assess pressure-volume relations. Subsequently, rats were killed, hearts and lungs were rapidly dissected, and RV, left ventricle (LV), and interventricular septum (IVS) were weighed and analyzed histochemically. RV-to-(LV + IVS) weight ratio was 0.29 +/- 0.05 in Cont, 0.35 +/- 0.05 in MCT30, and 0.49 +/- 0.10 in MCT80 (P < 0.001 vs. Cont and MCT30) rats, confirming MCT-induced RV hypertrophy. RV ejection fraction was 49 +/- 6% in Cont, 40 +/- 12% in MCT30 (P < 0.05 vs. Cont), and 26 +/- 6% in MCT80 (P < 0.05 vs. Cont and MCT30) rats. In MCT30 rats, cardiac output was maintained, but RV volumes and filling pressures were significantly increased compared with Cont (all P < 0.05), indicating RV remodeling. In MCT80 rats, RV systolic pressure, volumes, and peak wall stress were further increased, and cardiac output was significantly decreased (all P < 0.05). However, RV end-systolic and end-diastolic stiffness were unchanged, consistent with the absence of interstitial fibrosis. MCT-induced pressure overload was associated with a dose-dependent development of RV hypertrophy. The most pronounced response to MCT was an overload-dependent increase of RV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, even under nonfailing conditions.

Remodeling excitation-contraction coupling of hypertrophied ventricular myocytes is dependent on T-type calcium channels expression

We utilized Wistar rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in order to evaluate the T-type Ca2+ channel current (ICaT) for myocardial contraction. RT-PCR provides that mRNA for T-type Ca2+ channel alpha1-subunits in hypertrophied myocytes was significantly higher than those in control rats (alpha1G; 264+/-36%, alpha1H; 191+/-34%; P<0.05). By whole-cell patch-clamp study, ICaT was recorded only in hypertrophied myocytes but not in control myocytes. The application of 50 nmol/L nifedipine reduced the twitch tension of the right ventricles equally in the control and RVH rats. On the other hand, 0.5 micromol/L mibefradil, a T-type Ca2+ channel blocker, strongly inhibited the twitch tension of the RVH muscle (control 6.4+/-0.8% vs. RVH 20.0+/-2.3% at 5 Hz; P<0.01). In conclusion, our results indicate the functional expression of T-type Ca2+ channels in the hypertrophied heart and their contribution to the remodeling of excitation-contraction coupling in the cardiac myocyte.

Alveolar hypoxia induces left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and reduces phosphorylation of phospholamban in mice

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and reduced function of the right ventricle (RV). However, COPD patients may also develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that alveolar hypoxia induces LV diastolic dysfunction and changes in proteins governing Ca(2+) removal from cytosol during diastole. Mice exposed to 10% oxygen for 1, 2, or 4 wk were compared with controls. Cardiac hemodynamics were assessed with Doppler echocardiography and a microtransducer catheter under general anesthesia. The pulmonary artery blood flow acceleration time was shorter and RV pressure was higher after 4 wk of hypoxia compared with controls (both P < 0.05). In the RV and LV, 4 wk of hypoxia induced a prolongation of the time constant of isovolumic pressure decay (51% RV, 43% LV) and a reduction in the maximum rate of decline in pressure compared with control (42% RV, 42% LV, all P < 0.05), indicating impaired relaxation and diastolic dysfunction. Alveolar hypoxia induced a 38%, 47%, and 27% reduction in Ser16-phosphorylated phospholamban (PLB) in the RV after 1, 2, and 4 wk of hypoxia, respectively, and at the same time points, Ser16-phosphorylated PLB in the LV was downregulated by 32%, 34%, and 25% (all P < 0.05). The amounts of PLB and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2a) were not changed. In conclusion, chronic alveolar hypoxia induces hypophosphorylation of PLB at Ser16, which might be a mechanism for impaired relaxation and diastolic dysfunction in both the RV and LV.

Upregulated Neurohumoral Factors are Associated With Left Ventricular Remodeling and Poor Prognosis in Rats With Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular remodeling might be involved in the pathophysiology of right ventricular hypertrophy/failure due to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), while the left ventricle is considered not under pressure/volume overload.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rats with monocrotaline-induced PAH were used in the present study to examine whether upregulated neurohumoral factors may induce left ventricular (LV) remodeling and(/or) contribute to prognosis. Morphological analysis revealed a significant increase in the weight of the free walls of both ventricles and the interventricular septum, indicating biventricular hypertrophy, although systemic blood pressure was not elevated. RNase protection assay demonstrated the activation of a fetal gene program in the cardiac muscle of the left and right ventricular free walls. Similar activation of the fetal gene program was observed in the LV of rats continuously infused with angiotensin (AT) II, although this was not the case for rats infused with isoproterenol. Measured plasma levels of ATII, noradrenaline, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were all significantly elevated in the PAH rats. Furthermore, the plasma BNP level positively correlated with the ratio of heart weight to body weight and the plasma level of ATII. Not right but LV hypertrophy was significantly reduced by treatment with an AT II type 1 receptor blocker, valsartan, whereas the effect of an adrenergic alpha1 and beta1,2 blocker, carvedilol, was borderline. Survival rate in the PAH rats was significantly improved when they were treated with valsartan or carvedilol.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulated neurohumoral factors seem to play an important role in LV remodeling without mechanical overload, and are associated with impairment of prognosis in rats with PAH.

Colorectal cancer metastases affect the biochemical characteristics of the human liver beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase system

The sympathetic-catecholamine system is involved in the regulation of hepatic metabolic pathways mainly through cAMP-linked beta2-adrenoceptors (beta2-ARs) in humans and to a lesser extent through cAMP-independent mechanisms, but no information is available about the possible biochemical changes of beta2-ARs and their signalling pathways in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cancer hepatic metastases (CRCHM). Changes in density and distribution of beta-ARs as well as in post-receptor signalling components were studied in membranes of human liver with CRCHM, and for comparison, in membranes of nonadjacent, non-metastatic human liver (NA-NM) obtained from 13 patients, using binding and competition binding studies. Studies were also carried out using normal and cancerous human colon tissues. In CRCHM, the density of beta-ARs (B(max)) was significantly reduced, compared to NA-NM liver tissues (40.09+/-2.83 vs. 23.09+/-3.24 fmol/mg protein; P<0.001). A similar decrease in the beta-AR density was observed in the colon with primary colorectal cancer compared to healthy colon (37.6+/-2.2 vs. 23.8+/-3.5 fmol/mg protein), whereas the affinity of ICYP binding to the receptor remained unaffected. Desensitized beta-ARs were uncoupled from stimulatory G-protein (G(S)), as total density of beta-adrenoceptors in the high affinity state was significantly reduced. Concomitantly, CRCHM elicited decrease in the catalytic adenylate cyclase (AC) activity (cAMP formation) in response to isoproterenol plus GTP or forskolin or NaF. In NA-NM and CRCHM liver, the inhibition-concentration curves of ICI 118.551 showed the presence of a homogeneous population of the beta2-AR subtypes. Neither the binding patterns nor the inhibition constant (K(i)) of ICI 118.551 were altered in CRCHM. In CRCHM, the hepatic beta-AR-G-protein(s)-AC signalling system was markedly impaired, thus, these changes may well influence beta-AR-mediated functions in both organs.

Decreased vagal control over heart rate in rats with right-sided congestive heart failure: downregulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase

BACKGROUND

Parasympathetic drive is attenuated in heart failure, and resulting autonomic imbalance may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. The anatomic site(s) and molecular mechanisms underlying this parasympathetic withdrawal are unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the effects of pre- and post-ganglionic vagal nerve stimulation (VS) and acetylcholine (ACh) application on the heart rate of rats with right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) induced by monocrotaline. Heart rate reduction in response to pre-ganglionic VS in CHF rats in vivo was significantly less than in controls. The suppression of spontaneous beating of isolated right atria including the whole sinoatrial (SA) node in response to post-ganglionic VS was significantly attenuated in CHF rats as well. In contrast, ACh application to the right atria resulted in a significantly larger suppression of spontaneous beating in CHF rats than controls. Proteins of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the right atria were significantly decreased, whereas muscarinic (M2) receptor was significantly increased in CHF rats compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Both pre-and post-ganglionic vagal nerve functions are diminished in CHF rats, whereas M2 receptor-mediated regulation of the SA node is upregulated. Downregulation of nNOS may be involved in this parasympathetic withdrawal.

Agonist-independent alteration in beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase system in an equine model of recurrent airway obstruction

We examined the inhibitory sympathetic beta-adrenergic mechanisms in peripheral lung, bronchi and trachea of an equine model of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), to support the hypothesis that the beta-adrenergic receptor dysfunction is not only restricted to cell surface receptor density but rather encompasses a mechanistic defect apart from the receptor, to the intracellular signaling components. The non-asthmatic lung possessed 3.2-fold more beta-adrenergic receptors than bronchi (496 +/- 19.4 vs. 155.1+/- 19.6 fmol/mg protein; P < 0.01) and 6.2-fold higher than in the trachea (79.8 +/- 12.6 fmol/mg protein; P < 0.001) (assessed by radioligand binding assays using (-)-[(125)I]-iodocyanopindolol, ICYP) and in all tissues a greater proportion of the beta(2)- than the beta(1)-subtype (75-80%). The receptor density (B(max)) in lung parenchyma and bronchial membranes was 33 and 42%, respectively, lower (P < 0.001) in RAO than in control animals, attributable to a decrease in the beta(2)-subtype. This receptor down-regulation was accompanied with an attenuated coupling efficiency of the receptor to the stimulatory G(S)-protein (P < 0.05 vs. control). Concomitantly, activation of adenylate cyclase evoked by isoproterenol was significantly reduced in lung and bronchial membranes of animals with RAO, whereas effects of 10 microM GTP, 10mM NaF, 10 microM forskolin and 10 mM Mn(2+) were not altered. There was no difference in beta-adrenergic receptor density, G(S)-protein or adenylate cyclase coupling in the trachea between asthmatic and control animals. In conclusion, in stable asthma the pulmonary beta-adrenergic receptor-G(S)-protein-adenylate cyclase system is impaired, thus the pathologic process involves all signaling components, and due to its close similarity, this animal model seems to serve as a suitable model, at least partly, of chronic asthmatic patients.

Microarray analysis reveals pivotal divergent mRNA expression profiles early in the development of either compensated ventricular hypertrophy or heart failure

Myocardial right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy due to pulmonary hypertension is aimed at normalizing ventricular wall stress. Depending on the degree of pressure overload, RV hypertrophy may progress to a state of impaired contractile function and heart failure, but this cannot be discerned during the early stages of ventricular remodeling. We tested whether critical differences in gene expression profiles exist between ventricles before the ultimate development of either a compensated or decompensated hypertrophic phenotype. Both phenotypes were selectively induced in Wistar rats by a single subcutaneous injection of either a low or a high dose of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline (MCT). Spotted oligonucleotide microarrays were used to investigate pressure-dependent cardiac gene expression profiles at 2 wk after the MCT injections, between control rats and rats that would ultimately develop either compensated or decompensated hypertrophy. Clustering of significantly regulated genes revealed specific expression profiles for each group, although the degree of hypertrophy was still similar in both. The ventricles destined to progress to failure showed activation of pro-apoptotic pathways, particularly related to mitochondria, whereas the group developing compensated hypertrophy showed blocked pro-death effector signaling via p38-MAPK, through upregulation of MAPK phosphatase-1. In summary, we show that, already at an early time point, pivotal differences in gene expression exist between ventricles that will ultimately develop either a compensated or a decompensated phenotype, depending on the degree of pressure overload. These data reveal genes that may provide markers for the early prediction of clinical outcome as well as potential targets for early intervention.

α1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating noradrenaline-induced contraction of pulmonary artery from pulmonary hypertensive rats

The effect of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension on alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions of pulmonary artery segments was studied. In control and monocrotaline-treated rats, noradrenaline evoked concentration-dependent contractions of the pulmonary artery. There was no change in the potency and affinity of noradrenaline but the maximum response and receptor reserve were significantly reduced. Noradrenaline-induced contractions were competitively antagonized by prazosin, 2-(2-6dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride (WB 4101) and 8-[2-[4-(2methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7,9 dione dihydrochloride (BMY 7378) with pA(2) values of 9.64+/-0.16, 9.45+/-0.10 and 8.30+/-0.14, respectively. These antagonists also competitively antagonized noradrenaline-induced contractions of pulmonary artery segments isolated from rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. The pA(2) values were 9.66+/-0.11 (prazosin), 9.62+/-0.09 (WB 4101) and 8.47+/-0.15 (BMY 7378). Chloroethylclonidine (CEC) shifted noradrenaline concentration-response curve to the right and depressed the maximum response. There was no difference between the effects of CEC in both groups. It was therefore concluded that pulmonary hypertension significantly reduced noradrenaline-induced contractions of the rat pulmonary artery without affecting the sensitivity. Studies with receptor-selective antagonists confirmed that alpha(1)D-adrenoceptor subtype is the predominant receptor subtype in the pulmonary artery and this was maintained in this disease state.

Effect of a beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation on hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction

To investigate whether beta(2)-adrenoceptors exist on endothelial cells and whether a beta(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation might prevent the development of hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) were cultured and chronically exposed to either 5 mM D-glucose ("normoglycemia") or 20 mM D-glucose ("hyperglycemia"), with or without 100 nM salbutamol in absence or presence of beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118,551 [1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxyl]-3-[(1-methylethyl)-amino]-2-butanol] or beta(1)-antagonist metoprolol. For osmotic control, PAECs were exposed to 15 mM L-glucose. We measured nitric oxide release using the met-hemoglobin assay and assessed beta-adrenoceptor density and subtypes by radioligand binding. Furthermore, we determined intracellular NADH and NADPH using high-performance liquid chromatography. High D-glucose concentrations but not L-glucose led to significantly reduced basal and stimulated nitric oxide release. Chronic salbutamol treatment significantly antagonized the impairment of the nitric oxide response, which was inhibited by ICI 118,551 but not by metoprolol. The number of giant cells was significantly increased in hyperglycemia, which could be prevented by salbutamol. Binding of the radioligand (-)-[(125)I]iodocyanopindolol revealed a total beta-adrenoceptor density of 29.8 +/- 3.7 (normoglycemic) and 30.3 +/- 3.6 (hyperglycemic) fmol/mg protein. Displacement by ICI 118,551 revealed beta-adrenoceptor subtype distribution with 30.3 +/- 4.4 (normoglycemic) and 29.1 +/- 3.8% beta(2)-adrenoceptors. NADH production increased in hyperglycemia, which was completely prevented by salbutamol. We conclude that hyperglycemia in PAEC induces endothelial dysfunction with impaired nitric oxide release and that this can be prevented by beta(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Pharmacological and biochemical characterization of the beta-adrenergic signal transduction pathway in different segments of the respiratory tract

Although in the respiratory system there is great therapeutic interest in manipulating and understanding the beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase (AC) signal transduction pathway, little is known on segmental differences among lung, bronchus, and trachea with regard to the receptor concentration and interaction to G-proteins and coupling to AC. In this study, patterns of distribution and absolute quantities of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes beta(1) and beta(2) were determined in membranes of equine lung parenchyma, bronchial and tracheal epithelium with the underlying smooth muscle by saturation and competition binding assays using the radioligand (-)-[125I]-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). Additionally, the functional coupling of beta-adrenoceptors to G-proteins (assessed by beta-agonist competition binding in the presence and absence of GTP) as well as the coupling efficiency and biochemical activities of AC was investigated in each region. The specific ICYP binding was rapid, reversible, saturable with time and of high affinity. The radioligand binding identified more total beta-adrenoceptors in the lung than in bronchus or trachea (428+/-19, 162.4+/-4.8, 75.6+/-1.2 fmol/mg protein, respectively) with about 40% of receptors in the high affinity state. The beta(2)-adrenoceptor subtype predominated in all segments (approximately 74-80%), as the highly selective beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118,551 was about 10,000 times more potent in inhibiting ICYP binding than was the beta(1)-selective adrenoceptor antagonist CGP 20712A, and beta-adrenoceptor agonists inhibited ICYP binding with an order of potency: (-)-isoprenaline>(-)-adrenaline>(-)-noradrenaline. The dissociation constant (K(d)) was higher in the trachea than in bronchus or lung (13.0+/-0.9 pM vs. 20.0+/-2.3 pM vs. 30.8+/-4.4 pM, P<0.05, respectively). The beta(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated AC response was tissue-dependent; stimulants acting on beta-adrenoceptor (isoproterenol), G-protein (GTP, NaF) and AC (forskolin, Mn(2+)) enhanced AC responses in all three regions, but the AC activity was higher in tracheal crude membranes than in bronchus or lung (trachea>>>bronchus>lung), hence, the number of beta(2)-adrenoceptors correlated inversely with the amount of AC. We conclude that (1) the stoichiometry of components within the pulmonary beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein complex is segment-dependent, and (2) the receptor number or AC activity is possibly the rate-limiting factor in the beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-AC-mediated physiological responses. Thus, it is speculated that this could have important therapeutic consequences in beta-adrenoceptor agonist-induced receptor regulation in bronchial asthma.

Mechanical load-dependent regulation of gene expression in monocrotaline-induced right ventricular hypertrophy in the rat

Rats treated with monocrotaline (MCT) develop pulmonary hypertension. Their right ventricles (RVs) exhibit severe pressure overload-induced hypertrophy, whereas the left ventricles (LVs) are normally loaded. In contrast, enhanced neuroendocrine stimulation during the transition to heart failure affects both ventricles. We assessed gene expression levels of Ca2+-regulating proteins in RVs and LVs of control and MCT rats in transition to heart failure to identify biomechanical load-regulated genes. In MCT RVs, both mRNA and protein levels of the Ca2+-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2a) were reduced by 36% (P=0.001) and 17% (P=0.016), respectively, compared with control RVs. Phospholamban and ryanodine receptor mRNA levels likewise were reduced (by 27% [P=0.05] and 21% [P=0.011], respectively) in MCT RVs, whereas sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger expression was not altered. MCT LVs exhibited no significant expression changes compared with control LVs. Isometrically contracting MCT intact RV trabeculae showed enhanced baseline force development. Although control RV preparations exhibited a positive force-frequency relationship, MCT RVs showed a negative force-frequency relationship and blunted postrest potentiation. Contractile function of MCT LV trabeculae was normal. Maximum Ca2+-activated tension was enhanced by 64% in permeabilized RV MCT preparations (P=0.013). beta-Myosin heavy chain protein was upregulated in MCT RVs (P<0.001) but unaltered in MCT LVs. Degradation of troponin T was prominent in MCT RVs, a phenomenon not observed in the LV. Enhanced biomechanical load is necessary to induce the gene expression changes associated with the hypertrophic phenotype of the pressure-overloaded RV. Neuroendocrine factors, which equally affect both chambers, are not sufficient to alter the expression of Ca2+-cycling proteins.

Cardiac beta-adrenoceptor changes in monocrotaline-treated rats: differences between membrane preparations from whole ventricles and isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes

In monocrotaline (MCT)-treated rats the beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylyl cyclase system-determined in crude membrane preparations from whole ventricular tissue-was desensitized not only in right (RV) but also in left ventricles (LV). This study aimed to assess the specific contribution of cardiomyocytes to these beta-adrenoceptor changes. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were treated with 60 mg/kg body weight MCT intraperitoneally; within 4-6 weeks, rats developed marked RV hypertrophy. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from RVs and LVs. In RV cardiomyocytes of MCT-treated rats, beta-adrenoceptor density was significantly reduced whereas it was unaltered in LV cardiomyocytes. Reduction of RV cardiomyocyte beta-adrenoceptors was due to a selective beta(1)-adrenoceptor reduction. Isoprenaline (100 microM)-induced cAMP increase was significantly reduced in RV but not in LV cardiomyocytes of MCT-treated rats. G protein-coupled receptor kinase activity was increased in RV but not in LV cardiomyocytes. alpha(1)-Adrenoceptor density and noradrenaline-induced increase in inositol phosphate formation were significantly reduced only in RV but not in LV cardiomyocytes from MCT-treated rats. It is concluded that in cardiomyocytes of MCT-treated rats, cardiac beta-adrenoceptors and alpha -adrenoceptors are chamber-specifically desensitized only in the RV. Thus, changes in cardiac beta-adrenoceptors determined in membrane preparations from whole tissue homogenates do not correctly reflect changes occurring in cardiomyocytes.

Ventricular hypertrophy plus neurohumoral activation is necessary to alter the cardiac beta-adrenoceptor system in experimental heart failure

Treatment of rats with monocrotaline (MCT) leads to pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, and finally to RV heart failure. This is associated with characteristic changes in right ventricular beta-adrenoceptors (beta-AR), neuronal noradrenaline transporter (NAT) density and activity (uptake1), and G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) activity. This study aimed to find out factors that determine beta-AR, uptake1, and GRK changes. Thus, 6-week-old rats were treated with 50 mg/kg MCT subcutaneous or 0.9% saline. Within 13 to 19 days after MCT application (group A), RV weight (222+/-6 versus 147+/-5 mg) and RV/left ventricular (LV) weight ratio (0.42+/-0.01 versus 0.29+/-0.01) were significantly increased, whereas plasma noradrenaline, RV beta-AR density, RV NAT density and activity, and RV GRK activity were not significantly altered. Twenty-one to twenty-eight days after MCT (group B), however, not only RV weight (316+/-4 versus 148+/-2 mg) and RV/LV weight ratio (0.61+/-0.01 versus 0.3+/-0.01) were markedly increased but also plasma noradrenaline (645+/-63 versus 278+/-18 pg/mL); now, RV beta-AR density (13.4+/-1.3 versus 26.5+/-1.1 fmol/mg protein), RV NAT density (50.9+/-11.3 versus 79.6+/-2.9 fmol/mg protein), and RV NAT activity (65.4+/-7.4 versus 111.8+/-15.9 pmol [3H]-NA/mg tissue slices/15 min) were significantly decreased and RV-membrane GRK activity (100+/-15 versus 67+/-6 [32P]-rhodopsin in cpm) significantly increased. LV parameters of MCT-treated rats were only marginally different from control LV. We conclude that in MCT-treated rats ventricular hypertrophy per se is not sufficient to cause characteristic alterations in the myocardial beta-AR system often seen in heart failure; only if ventricular hypertrophy is associated with neurohumoral activation beta-ARs are downregulated and GRK activity is increased.

Muscarinic receptors in the mammalian heart

In the mammalian heart, cardiac function is under the control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. All regions of the mammalian heart are innervated by parasympathetic (vagal) nerves, although the supraventricular tissues are more densely innervated than the ventricles. Vagal activation causes stimulation of cardiac muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M-ChR) that modulate pacemaker activity via I(f) and I(K.ACh), atrioventricular conduction, and directly (in atrium) or indirectly (in ventricles) force of contraction. However, the functional response elicited by M-ChR-activation depends on species, age, anatomic structure investigated, and M-ChR-agonist concentration used. Among the five M-ChR-subtypes M(2)-ChR is the predominant isoform present in the mammalian heart, while in the coronary circulation M(3)-ChR have been identified. In addition, evidence for a possible existence of an additional, not M(2)-ChR in the heart has been presented. M-ChR are subject to regulation by G-protein-coupled-receptor kinase. Alterations of cardiac M(2)-ChR in age and various kinds of disease are discussed.