cGMP-mediated inhibition of cardiac L-type Ca(2+) current by a monoclonal antibody against the M(2) ACh receptor

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Drugs Acting on Muscarinic Receptors- Potential Crosstalk of Cholinergic Mechanisms During Pharmacological Treatment

BACKGROUND

Pharmaceuticals with targets in the cholinergic transmission have been used for decades and are still fundamental treatments in many diseases and conditions today. Both the transmission and the effects of the somatomotoric and the parasympathetic nervous systems may be targeted by such treatments. Irrespective of the knowledge that the effects of neuronal signalling in the nervous systems may include a number of different receptor subtypes of both the nicotinic and the muscarinic receptors, this complexity is generally overlooked when assessing the mechanisms of action of pharmaceuticals.

METHODS

We have search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature focused on the cholinergic system. Also, we have taken advantage of our expertise in this field to deduce the conclusions of this study.

RESULTS

Presently, the life cycle of acetylcholine, muscarinic receptors and their effects are reviewed in the major organ systems of the body. Neuronal and non-neuronal sources of acetylcholine are elucidated. Examples of pharmaceuticals, in particular cholinesterase inhibitors, affecting these systems are discussed. The review focuses on salivary glands, the respiratory tract and the lower urinary tract, since the complexity of the interplay of different muscarinic receptor subtypes is of significance for physiological, pharmacological and toxicological effects in these organs.

CONCLUSION

Most pharmaceuticals targeting muscarinic receptors are employed at such large doses that no selectivity can be expected. However, some differences in the adverse effect profile of muscarinic antagonists may still be explained by the variation of expression of muscarinic receptor subtypes in different organs. However, a complex pattern of interactions between muscarinic receptor subtypes occurs and needs to be considered when searching for selective pharmaceuticals. In the development of new entities for the treatment of for instance pesticide intoxication, the muscarinic receptor selectivity needs to be considered. Reactivators generally have a muscarinic M2 receptor acting profile. Such a blockade may engrave the situation since it may enlarge the effect of the muscarinic M3 receptor effect. This may explain why respiratory arrest is the major cause for deaths by esterase blocking.

Proteomics screen to reveal molecular changes mediated by C722G missense mutation in CHRM2 gene

Previously, we reported a missense mutation (C722G) in the M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRM2) gene associated with familial dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by the related protein changes of CHRM2-C722G mutation induced are still unclear. CHRM2 and CHRM2-C722G lentiviral vector was infected to CHO cells. Proteomic analysis by label-free shotgun strategy and the STRING 9.0 software were performed. A total of 102 proteins with at least 2-fold change in the CHRM2-C722G group were identified, 42 proteins were up-regulated, whereas 57 were down-regulated. These altered proteins belong to three broad functional categories: (i) metabolic (e.g. Cytosolic acyl coenzyme A thioester hydrolase, Malate dehydrogenase); (ii) cytoskeletal (e.g. Actin-related protein, Myosin light polypeptide 6 and Alpha-actinin-1) and (iii) stress response (e.g. heat shock protein 70, Ras-related protein Rab-10). Interestingly, the marked differences in the expression of selected eight proteins (change >4.0-fold), were connected with many proteins related to apoptosis and immune/inflammatory response such as: FOS, BAX, MYC, TP53 and IL6. This novel study demonstrated for the first time a full-scale screening of the proteomics research by CHRM2-C722G mutation and profiled 102 changed proteins, of which, eight might be critical in cardiac dysfunction for future mapping.

SIGNIFICANCE

It was a full-scale screening of the proteomics research by CHRM2-C722G mutation. These proteins might serve as valuable biomarkers that could predict the presence of a precursor field. These proteins might serve to further explore the pathophysiological mechanisms in familial DCM patients with C176W mutation.

The diagnostic and clinical significance of anti-muscarinic receptor autoantibodies

The role of autoimmunity in cardiovascular diseases has become one of the focal points of research studies. Autoimmune response and autoreactive autoantibodies have been found in dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, rheumatic fever, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, and other diseases. Autoantibodies may appear due to tissue injury and exposure of autoantigens, in addition to molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity with antigens found in infectious agents in predisposed individuals. In the early 1990s, autoantibodies reacting with the M2 muscarinic receptor were found in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and subsequently, in patients with Chagas heart disease and arrhythmic disorders. Immunization of animals with the corresponding antigen triggered cardiac abnormalities also appearing in dilated cardiomyopathy of humans. It has been suggested that antibodies against M2 muscarinic receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases and may also alter the electrophysiological properties of cardiac tissue. Herein, we review the current knowledge of antibodies against M2 muscarinic receptors and the possible use of a targeted therapy against these autoantibodies.

Extract from leaf of Psidium guajava L depresses the guinea pig atrial contractility by interfering with potassium and calcium channels

The negative inotropic effect of aqueous fraction (AqF) obtained from the acetic extract of Psidium guajava L leaf was investigated on the guinea pig left atrium. Myocardial force was measured isometrically (27 ± 0.1 ºC, 2 Hz). AqF (100 μg/ml) reduced contractility of about 85 ± 9.4 % (n = 4, p < 0.001, Fcalc = 51.70, F(0.01; 4; 21) = 5.09, EC50 = 14.28 ± 3 μg/mL) in a concentration-dependent fashion. This effect was reduced by 20 mM of tetraethylammonium (TEA), increasing EC50 to 50 ± 7 μg/ml (n = 4, p < 0.001, Fcalc = 282.13; F(0.01; 21; 66) = 2.36). AqF (100 μg/ml) shifted to the right the CaCl2 concentration-effect curve, increasing the EC50 from 2170 ± 112 to 2690 ± 132 μM (n = 3, p < 0.001, Fcalc = 220.80 ; F(0.01; 29; 60) = 2.19). L-NAME (100 μM) did not modify the AqF inotropic effect (n = 3, p > 0.05) sugesting that the oxide nitric pathway did not participate of the action mechanism of AqF. We can conclude that AqF depresses the atrial contractile by reducing the calcium entry in myocardial cells and also by openenig potassium channels of cardiac tissue.

The negative inotropic action of canrenone is mediated by L-type calcium current blockade and reduced intracellular calcium transients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adding spironolactone to standard therapy in heart failure reduces morbidity and mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We analysed the effect of canrenone, the major active metabolite of spironolactone, on myocardial contractility and intracellular calcium homeostasis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Left ventricular papillary muscles and cardiomyocytes were isolated from male Wistar rats. Contractility of papillary muscles was assessed with force transducers, Ca(2+) transients by fluorescence and Ca(2+) fluxes by electrophysiological techniques.

KEY RESULTS

Canrenone (300-600 micromol L(-1)) reduced developed tension, maximum rate of tension increase and maximum rate of tension decay of papillary muscles. In cardiomyocytes, canrenone (50 micromol L(-1)) reduced cell shortening and L-type Ca(2+) channel current, whereas steady-state activation and inactivation, and reactivation curves were unchanged. Canrenone also decreased the Ca(2+) content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, intracellular Ca(2+) transient amplitude and intracellular diastolic Ca(2+) concentration. However, the time course of [Ca(2+)](i) decline during transients evoked by caffeine was not affected by canrenone.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Canrenone reduced L-type Ca(2+) channel current, amplitude of intracellular Ca(2+) transients and Ca(2+) content of sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiomyocytes. These changes are likely to underlie the negative inotropic effect of canrenone.

SERCA inhibition limits the functional effects of cyclic GMP in both control and hypertrophic cardiac myocytes

The negative functional effects of cyclic GMP are controlled by the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase (SERCA). The effects of cyclic GMP are blunted in cardiac hypertrophy. We tested the hypothesis that the interaction between cyclic GMP and SERCA would be reduced in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes. Myocytes were isolated from 7 control and 7 renal-hypertensive hypertrophic rabbits. Control and hypertrophic myocytes received 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP; 10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5) mol/l), the SERCA blocker thapsigargin (10(-8) mol/l) followed by 8-Br-cGMP, or the SERCA blocker, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; 10(-7) mol/l) followed by 8-Br-cGMP. Percent shortening and maximal rate of shortening and relaxation were recorded using a video edge detector. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ were assessed in fura 2-loaded myocytes. In controls, 8-Br-cGMP caused a significant 36% decrease in percent shortening from 5.8 +/- 0.4 to 3.7 +/- 0.3%. Thapsigargin and CPA did not affect basal control or hypertrophic myocyte function. When 8-Br-cGMP was given following thapsigargin or CPA, the negative effects of 8-Br-cGMP on control myocyte function were reduced. In hypertrophic myocytes, 8-Br-cGMP caused a smaller but significant 17% decrease in percent shortening from 4.7 +/- 0.2 to 3.9 +/- 0.1%. When 8-Br-cGMP was given following thapsigargin or CPA, no significant changes occurred in hypertrophic cell function. Intracellular Ca2+ transients responded in a similar manner to changes in cell function in control and hypertrophic myocytes. These results show that the effects of cyclic GMP were reduced in hypertrophic myocytes, but this was not related to SERCA. In presence of SERCA inhibitors, the responses to cyclic GMP were blunted in hypertrophic as well as control myocytes.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) attenuates the L-type calcium current and regulates ventricular myocyte function

A fundamental question in physiology is how hormones regulate the functioning of a cell or organ. It was therefore the aim of this study to investigate the effect(s) of BNP-32 on calcium handling by ventricular myocytes obtained from the rat left ventricle. We specifically tested the hypothesis that BNP-32 decreased the L-type calcium current (I(Ca,L)). Perforated patch clamp technique was used to record I(Ca,L) and action potential (AP) in voltage and current clamp mode, respectively. Myocyte shortening was measured using a photodiode array edge-detection system and intracellular calcium transients were measured by fluorescence photometry. Western blotting was used to determine the relative change in the expression of proteins. At the concentrations tested, BNP-32 significantly decreased cell shortening in a dose-dependent manner; increased the phase II slope of the AP by 53.0%; increased the APD(50) by 16.9%; reduced the I(Ca,L) amplitude with a 22.9% decrease in the peak amplitude and reduced Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation; increased the V(1/2) activation of the L-type calcium channel by 51.1% and decreased V(1/2) inactivation by 31.8%; and, intracellular calcium transient amplitude was significantly decreased by 32.0%, whereas the time to peak amplitude and T(1/2) were both significantly increased by 38.7% and 89.4% respectively. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a) protein expression was reduced by BNP-32. These data suggest that BNP-32 regulates ventricular myocyte function by attenuating I(Ca,L), altering the AP and reducing SERCA2a activity and/or expression. This study suggests a novel constitutive mechanism for the autocrine action of BNP on the L-type calcium channel in ventricular myocytes.

Allosteric agonist modulators

This article discusses a model to describe the effects of molecules that bind to a site on the receptor separate from that of the endogenous agonist to actively produce receptor signals (direct agonism). In addition, these molecules also modify the biological responses of the endogenous agonist (either potentiation or antagonism). The effects of such compounds in high-throughput screening assays are described as well as their effects on the dose-response curves to conventional agonists.

Conformational state of human cardiac 5-HT(4(g)) receptors influences the functional effects of polyclonal anti-5-HT(4) receptor antibodies

The functional effects of the anti-G21V antibody directed against the second extracellular loop of human heart 5-HT(4) receptors can differ when the receptors are expressed in different cell lines. Here, we extend these studies to show variation in the responses of 5-HT(4(g)) receptors to the antibody within the same expression system. In a previous report no effect of the anti-G21V antibodies had been shown upon 5-HT(4(g)) receptors expressed in CHO cells. Here the same antibodies alone or when added before 5-HT had a functional "inverse-agonist like" effect upon 5-HT(4(g)) receptors expressed in a separate line of CHO cells. Although these CHO cells showed a lower efficacy of cAMP production evoked by 5-HT than the previous report they express a similar h5-HT(4(g)) receptor density. Inhibition of either phosphodiesterases or Gi proteins had no effect upon the action of the antibody. Conformational states of the 5-HT(4) receptor and/or equilibrium between different states of receptors may then determine the functional effect of antibodies against this receptor.

Antisense oligonucleotide against the Ca channel beta subunit decreases L-type Ca current in rat ventricular myocytes

The role of endogenous beta subunits of the L-type Ca channel in native cardiac ventricular myocytes is unclear. We have therefore investigated the effect of inhibiting beta subunit expression in rat myocytes, by culturing isolated myocytes for 24 h with either antisense oligonucleotide against the beta subunit or with scrambled oligonucleotide (control). Alpha1 subunit expression and distribution were then determined by immunolabeling, and L-type Ca current measured using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Cells treated with antisense showed increased perinuclear staining for alpha1, decreased Ca current amplitude and a small rightward shift of the activation curve and the I-V relation, with no significant effect on inactivation. These data suggest that endogenous beta subunits in native cardiac myocytes help to traffic the alpha1 subunit to the cell membrane and thus play a major role in determining Ca current amplitude.

Allosteric agonists of 7TM receptors: expanding the pharmacological toolbox

Approximately 1% of the genome of higher organisms encodes seven-transmembrane (7TM) G-protein-coupled receptors, which control an extensive range of physiological processes and represent drug targets for nearly half of all drugs that are prescribed currently. To date, most drugs that target 7TM receptors interact via the same domain as the endogenous agonist, called the orthosteric site. However, the advent of functional screening assays has greatly increased the number of allosteric ligands identified. Such ligands bind to topographically distinct sites on 7TM receptors. In addition to modulating the affinity of orthosteric ligands, allosteric ligands can also alter the efficacy of orthosteric ligands and activate 7TM receptors in their own right. In this article, we briefly review the current status of putative allosteric agonists of 7TM receptors, and discuss the promises and challenges that this class of ligand might pose for pharmacologists and the drug-discovery industry.

Heart failure reduces both the effects and interaction between cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP

BACKGROUND

We tested the hypothesis that the negative functional effects of cyclic GMP would be attenuated by cyclic AMP and this interaction would be reduced in pacing-induced failure of hypertrophic hearts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

8-Bromo-cGMP (2 microg/kg/min) was infused into a coronary artery in eight control, eight ventricular hypertrophy (HYP), and eight hypertrophic failure (HYP-FAIL) dogs. Then isoproterenol (0.1 microg/kg/min) was infused, followed by 8 Br-cGMP. Regional myocardial work (force*shortening/min), and O(2) consumption (VO(2)) (coronary blood flow*O(2) extraction) were measured. Cyclic GMP levels were determined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

8-Br-cGMP significantly decreased regional work from 3812 +/- 839 g*mm/min by 17% and VO(2) by 29% in control, but not in HYP (1073 +/- 182 by -10%, VO(2) by -16%) or HYP-FAIL (495 +/- 145 by -9%, VO(2) by 0%). Isoproterenol increased work by 43% and VO(2) by 48% in controls and in HYP (work by 54%, VO(2) by 39%), but not in HYP-FAIL (work by -28%, VO(2) by -5%). Subsequently, 8-Br-cGMP had no effect on work or VO(2) in control (-2%, -13%), HYP (-12%, -30%), or HYP-FAIL (+13%, +14%). Cyclic AMP levels were elevated by isoproterenol in control (381 +/- 115 versus 553 +/- 119 pmol/g) and HYP (313 +/- 55 versus 486 +/- 227), but not in HYP-FAIL (300 +/- 60 versus 284 +/- 126). After isoproterenol, 8-Br-cGMP further elevated cyclic AMP in control (687 +/- 122), but not in HYP or HYP-FAIL.

CONCLUSIONS

In controls, cyclic AMP attenuated cyclic GMPs negative functional and metabolic effects. The effects and the interaction were blunted in the HYP and HYP-FAIL groups.

Effects on heart rate of an anti-M2 acetylcholine receptor immune response in mice

Autoantibodies in vitro modulating the M2 acetylcholine receptor (M2ACh-R) were observed in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) or Chagas' cardiomyopathy (ChC). We investigated the in vivo consequences on heart rate of such antibodies in mice immunized with a peptide derived from the second extracellular loop of the M2ACh-R compared with mice immunized with an irrelevant peptide. Sera of mice immunized with the M2ACh-R-derived peptide recognized the M2ACh-R on immunoblots and enhanced agonist activity of carbachol toward the M2AChR transfected in CHO cells. In vivo, no difference could be shown in heart rate or heart rate variability between the two groups of mice. The decrease in heart rate induced by carbachol was more pronounced, however, in the M2ACh-R immunized mice. The increase in heart rate induced by atropine, gallamine, and isoproterenol was significantly attenuated in the M2ACh-R immunized mice. Analysis of heart rate variability further argued for an increased parasympathetic response to different drugs in the M2ACh-R immunized mice. Antibodies raised against the M2AChR can behave as positive M2AChR allosteric modulators in vivo. They might be protective in boosting the activity of the parasympathetic drive to the heart, especially in patients with a high sympathetic tone.

Negative metabolic effects of cGMP are enhanced in obese rat hearts

Leptin resistance leads to obesity and may affect responses to the second messenger cGMP. We tested the hypothesis that the myocardial negative metabolic response to cGMP would be enhanced in leptin-resistant animals. This hypothesis was tested in anesthetized open-chest Zucker obese (n = 16) and age-matched control rats (n = 13). Coronary blood flow (microspheres) and O2 extraction (microspectrophotometry) measurements were used to determine myocardial O2 consumption (VO2). Protein phosphorylation by cGMP protein kinase and cAMP phosphodiesterase activity were also determined. Either vehicle (saline) or 8-Br-cGMP (10(-3) M) was topically applied to the left ventricular surface. Body weight was significantly greater in the obese rats (523 +/- 17 versus 322 +/- 12 g). There were no hemodynamic differences between groups. There was no difference in VO2 between lean (52 +/- 13 mL O2/min/100 g) and obese (54 +/- 9) vehicle-treated rats. 8-Br-cGMP significantly lowered VO2 in obese (35 +/- 6) but not lean (45 +/- 7) rats. This was not related to altered protein phosphorylation by the cGMP protein kinase. Cyclic GMP inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in lean but not obese hearts. Thus, the high myocardial oxygen consumption of lean rats was not significantly affected by cGMP but was reduced in obese hearts. This appeared to be related to a reduced inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity by cGMP in the Zucker obese rat.

Reduction in interaction between cGMP and cAMP in dog ventricular myocytes with hypertrophic failure

Baseline function and signal transduction are depressed in hearts with hypertrophic failure. We tested the hypothesis that the effects of cGMP and its interaction with cAMP would be reduced in cardiac myocytes from hypertrophic failing hearts. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from control dogs, dogs with aortic valve stenosis hypertrophy, and dogs with pacing hypertrophic failure. Myocyte function was measured using a video edge detector. Cell contraction data were obtained at baseline, with 8-bromo-cGMP (10(-7), 10(-6), and 10(-5) M), with erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine [EHNA; a cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE(2)) inhibitor] plus 8-bromo-cGMP, or milrinone (a PDE(3) inhibitor) plus 8-bromo-cGMP. Baseline percent shortening and maximal rates of shortening (R(max)) and relaxation were slightly reduced in hypertrophic myocytes and were significantly lower in failing myocytes (R(max): control dogs, 95.3 +/- 17.3; hypertrophy dogs, 88.2 +/- 5.5; failure dogs, 53.2 +/- 6.4 mum/s). 8-Bromo-cGMP dose dependently reduced myocyte function in all groups. However, EHNA (10(-6) M) and milrinone (10(-6) M) significantly reduced the negative effects of cGMP on cell contractility in control and hypertrophy but not in failing myocytes (R(max) for control dogs: cGMP, -46%; +EHNA, -21%; +milrinone, -19%; for hypertrophy dogs: cGMP, -40%; +EHNA, -13%; +milrinone, -20%; for failure dogs: cGMP, -40%; +EHNA, -29%; +milrinone, -32%). Both combinations of EHNA-cGMP and milrinone-cGMP significantly increased intracellular cAMP in control, hypertrophic, and failing myocytes. These data indicated that the cGMP signaling pathway was preserved in hypertrophic failing cardiac myocytes. However, the interaction of cGMP with the cAMP signaling pathway was impaired in these failing myocytes.

Effects of natriuretic peptides on ventricular myocyte contraction and role of cyclic GMP signaling

Natriuretic peptides, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) act through different receptors and at different potencies to affect cardiac myocyte function. We tested the hypothesis that these three peptides would differentially reduce cardiomyocyte function through their effects on the cyclic GMP signaling pathway. Rabbit ventricular myocytes were isolated and stimulated by electrical field stimulation. Cell function was measured using a video edge detector. ANP BNP or CNP at 10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7) M were added to the myocytes. Intracellular cyclic GMP was determined using a radioimmunoassay in the absence or presence of ANP, BNP or CNP. All natriuretic peptides decreased myocyte contractility in a similar concentration dependent manner. Myocyte percentage shortening was significantly decreased with all peptides at 10(-7) M compared with baseline (ANP from 5.4+/-0.4 to 3.9+/-0.2%; BNP from 5.0+/-0.2 to 3.5+/-0.1%; CNP from 5.6+/-0.3 to 4.0+/-0.3%). Maximum rate of shortening and relaxation were also decreased similarly and significantly. Intracellular cyclic GMP was significantly increased in myocytes treated with ANP, BNP or CNP (Baseline 1.0+/-0.2, ANP 2.1+/-0.2, BNP 2.3+/-0.3, CNP 2.0+/-0.2 pmol/10(5) myocytes). Furthermore, inhibition of the cyclic GMP protein kinase with KT5823 caused a reversal in the functional effects of CNP. We concluded that all natriuretic peptides had similar negative effects on ventricular myocyte function and their effects were accompanied by increased cyclic GMP. Blockade the effect of CNP by a cyclic GMP protein kinase inhibitor demonstrated that effects were mediated through the cyclic GMP signaling pathway.

Ca2+ currents in cardiac myocytes: Old story, new insights

Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger which plays key roles in numerous physiological functions. In cardiac myocytes, Ca2+ crosses the plasma membrane via specialized voltage-gated Ca2+ channels which have two main functions: (i) carrying depolarizing current by allowing positively charged Ca2+ ions to move into the cell; (ii) triggering Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Recently, it has been suggested than Ca2+ channels also participate in excitation-transcription coupling. The purpose of this review is to discuss the physiological roles of Ca2+ currents in cardiac myocytes. Next, we describe local regulation of Ca2+ channels by cyclic nucleotides. We also provide an overview of recent studies investigating the structure-function relationship of Ca2+ channels in cardiac myocytes using heterologous system expression and transgenic mice, with descriptions of the recently discovered Ca2+ channels alpha(1D) and alpha(1E). We finally discuss the potential involvement of Ca2+ currents in cardiac pathologies, such as diseases with autoimmune components, and cardiac remodeling.

Sera from patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy decrease ICa in cardiomyocytes isolated from rabbits

Autoantibodies against muscarinic and adrenergic receptors have been found in the sera of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and Chagas disease, but it is still unclear whether they can functionally interact with their respective receptors to modulate cardiac functions. In this study, our goal was to detect the presence of those antibodies in the sera of patients with IDC and characterize their electrophysiological effects on cardiomyocytes from rabbits. By using ELISA immunoassays, we detected high titers of antibodies against muscarinic M2 receptors in the sera of all IDC patients, whereas the detection of antibodies against the beta1-receptor occurred in 50% of them. Electrophysiological experiments using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique showed that sera from 43% of IDC patients induced a significant decrease (approximately 26%) in isoproterenol-stimulated L-type Ca2+ currents in rabbit ventricular myocytes, whereas the sera from healthy blood donors failed to do so. As expected, IDC sera also decreased the action potential duration (by 10.5%) due to a shortening of the plateau phase. Sera that reduced isoproterenol-stimulated L-type Ca2+ currents did not cause any effect on K+ currents. We conclude that sera from IDC patients have autoantibodies, which interact with muscarinic M2 receptors of rabbit cardiomyocytes, acting in an agonist-like fashion. This action results in changes in electrogenesis, which, as often observed in patients with IDC, could initiate ventricular arrhythmias that lead to sudden death.

Survey of the year 2001 commercial optical biosensor literature

We have assembled references of 700 articles published in 2001 that describe work performed using commercially available optical biosensors. To illustrate the technology's diversity, the citation list is divided into reviews, methods and specific applications, as well as instrument type. We noted marked improvements in the utilization of biosensors and the presentation of kinetic data over previous years. These advances reflect a maturing of the technology, which has become a standard method for characterizing biomolecular interactions.