1
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Perez DM. α 1-Adrenergic Receptors: Insights into Potential Therapeutic Opportunities for COVID-19, Heart Failure, and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4188. [PMID: 36835598 PMCID: PMC9963459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
α1-Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are members of the G-Protein Coupled Receptor superfamily and with other related receptors (β and α2), they are involved in regulating the sympathetic nervous system through binding and activation by norepinephrine and epinephrine. Traditionally, α1-AR antagonists were first used as anti-hypertensives, as α1-AR activation increases vasoconstriction, but they are not a first-line use at present. The current usage of α1-AR antagonists increases urinary flow in benign prostatic hyperplasia. α1-AR agonists are used in septic shock, but the increased blood pressure response limits use for other conditions. However, with the advent of genetic-based animal models of the subtypes, drug design of highly selective ligands, scientists have discovered potentially newer uses for both agonists and antagonists of the α1-AR. In this review, we highlight newer treatment potential for α1A-AR agonists (heart failure, ischemia, and Alzheimer's disease) and non-selective α1-AR antagonists (COVID-19/SARS, Parkinson's disease, and posttraumatic stress disorder). While the studies reviewed here are still preclinical in cell lines and rodent disease models or have undergone initial clinical trials, potential therapeutics discussed here should not be used for non-approved conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne M Perez
- The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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2
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Perez DM. Targeting Adrenergic Receptors in Metabolic Therapies for Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5783. [PMID: 34071350 PMCID: PMC8198887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart has a reduced capacity to generate sufficient energy when failing, resulting in an energy-starved condition with diminished functions. Studies have identified numerous changes in metabolic pathways in the failing heart that result in reduced oxidation of both glucose and fatty acid substrates, defects in mitochondrial functions and oxidative phosphorylation, and inefficient substrate utilization for the ATP that is produced. Recent early-phase clinical studies indicate that inhibitors of fatty acid oxidation and antioxidants that target the mitochondria may improve heart function during failure by increasing compensatory glucose oxidation. Adrenergic receptors (α1 and β) are a key sympathetic nervous system regulator that controls cardiac function. β-AR blockers are an established treatment for heart failure and α1A-AR agonists have potential therapeutic benefit. Besides regulating inotropy and chronotropy, α1- and β-adrenergic receptors also regulate metabolic functions in the heart that underlie many cardiac benefits. This review will highlight recent studies that describe how adrenergic receptor-mediated metabolic pathways may be able to restore cardiac energetics to non-failing levels that may offer promising therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne M Perez
- The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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3
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Perez DM. Current Developments on the Role of α 1-Adrenergic Receptors in Cognition, Cardioprotection, and Metabolism. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652152. [PMID: 34113612 PMCID: PMC8185284 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The α1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are G-protein coupled receptors that bind the endogenous catecholamines, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. They play a key role in the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system along with β and α2-AR family members. While all of the adrenergic receptors bind with similar affinity to the catecholamines, they can regulate different physiologies and pathophysiologies in the body because they couple to different G-proteins and signal transduction pathways, commonly in opposition to one another. While α1-AR subtypes (α1A, α1B, α1C) have long been known to be primary regulators of vascular smooth muscle contraction, blood pressure, and cardiac hypertrophy, their role in neurotransmission, improving cognition, protecting the heart during ischemia and failure, and regulating whole body and organ metabolism are not well known and are more recent developments. These advancements have been made possible through the development of transgenic and knockout mouse models and more selective ligands to advance their research. Here, we will review the recent literature to provide new insights into these physiological functions and possible use as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne M Perez
- The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Janssen PM, Canan BD, Kilic A, Whitson BA, Baker AJ. Human Myocardium Has a Robust α1A-Subtype Adrenergic Receptor Inotropic Response. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2018; 72:136-142. [PMID: 29923888 PMCID: PMC6126952 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies report that a single subtype of α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR), the α1A-subtype, mediates robust cardioprotective effects in multiple experimental models of heart failure, suggesting that the α1A-subtype is a potential therapeutic target for an agonist to treat heart failure. Moreover, we recently found that the α1A-subtype is present in human heart. The goal of this study was to assess the inotropic response mediated by the α1A-subtype in human myocardium, and to determine whether the response is downregulated in myocardium from failing human heart. We measured in vitro contractile responses of cardiac muscle preparations (trabeculae) isolated from the right ventricle from nonfailing and failing human hearts. Addition of the α1A-subtype agonist A61603 (100 nM) resulted in a large positive inotropic response (force increased ≈ 2-fold). This response represented ≈70% of the response mediated by the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (1 μM). Moreover, in myocardium from failing hearts, α1A-subtype responses remained robust, and only slightly reduced relative to nonfailing hearts. We conclude that α1A-subtype-mediated inotropy could represent a significant source of inotropic support in the human heart. Furthermore, the α1A-subtype remains functional in myocardium from failing human hearts and thus, might be a therapeutic target to support cardioprotective effects in patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M.L. Janssen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Benjamin D. Canan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ahmet Kilic
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bryan A Whitson
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anthony J. Baker
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, Univ. Calif. San Francisco, San Francisco
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Shi T, Papay RS, Perez DM. α1A-Adrenergic receptor prevents cardiac ischemic damage through PKCδ/GLUT1/4-mediated glucose uptake. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2015; 36:261-70. [PMID: 26832303 DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2015.1091475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While α(1)-adrenergic receptors (ARs) have been previously shown to limit ischemic cardiac damage, the mechanisms remain unclear. Most previous studies utilized low oxygen conditions in addition to ischemic buffers with glucose deficiencies, but we discovered profound differences if the two conditions are separated. We assessed both mouse neonatal and adult myocytes and HL-1 cells in a series of assays assessing ischemic damage under hypoxic or low glucose conditions. We found that α(1)-AR stimulation protected against increased lactate dehydrogenase release or Annexin V(+) apoptosis under conditions that were due to low glucose concentration not to hypoxia. The α(1)-AR antagonist prazosin or nonselective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors blocked the protective effect. α(1)-AR stimulation increased (3)H-deoxyglucose uptake that was blocked with either an inhibitor to glucose transporter 1 or 4 (GLUT1 or GLUT4) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against PKCδ. GLUT1/4 inhibition also blocked α(1)-AR-mediated protection from apoptosis. The PKC inhibitor rottlerin or siRNA against PKCδ blocked α(1)-AR stimulated GLUT1 or GLUT4 plasma membrane translocation. α(1)-AR stimulation increased plasma membrane concentration of either GLUT1 or GLUT4 in a time-dependent fashion. Transgenic mice overexpressing the α(1A)-AR but not α(1B)-AR mice displayed increased glucose uptake and increased GLUT1 and GLUT4 plasma membrane translocation in the adult heart while α(1A)-AR but not α(1B)-AR knockout mice displayed lowered glucose uptake and GLUT translocation. Our results suggest that α(1)-AR activation is anti-apoptotic and protective during cardiac ischemia due to glucose deprivation and not hypoxia by enhancing glucose uptake into the heart via PKCδ-mediated GLUT translocation that may be specific to the α(1A)-AR subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Shi
- a Department of Molecular Cardiology , Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Robert S Papay
- a Department of Molecular Cardiology , Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Dianne M Perez
- a Department of Molecular Cardiology , Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation , Cleveland , OH , USA
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Cowley PM, Wang G, Chang AN, Makwana O, Swigart PM, Lovett DH, Stull JT, Simpson PC, Baker AJ. The α1A-adrenergic receptor subtype mediates increased contraction of failing right ventricular myocardium. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 309:H888-96. [PMID: 26116709 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00042.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) is closely related to prognosis for patients with RV failure. Therefore, strategies to improve failing RV function are significant. In a mouse RV failure model, we previously reported that α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) inotropic responses are increased. The present study determined the roles of both predominant cardiac α1-AR subtypes (α1A and α1B) in upregulated inotropy in failing RV. We used the mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and RV failure. We assessed the myocardial contractile response in vitro to stimulation of the α1A-subtype (using α1A-subtype-selective agonist A61603) and α1B-subtype [using α1A-subtype knockout mice and nonsubtype selective α1-AR agonist phenylephrine (PE)]. In wild-type nonfailing RV, a negative inotropic effect of α1-AR stimulation with PE (force decreased ≈50%) was switched to a positive inotropic effect (PIE) with bleomycin-induced RV injury. Upregulated inotropy in failing RV occurred with α1A-subtype stimulation (force increased ≈200%), but not with α1B-subtype stimulation (force decreased ≈50%). Upregulated inotropy mediated by the α1A-subtype involved increased activator Ca(2+) transients and increased phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (a mediator of increased myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity). In failing RV, the PIE elicited by the α1A-subtype was appreciably less when the α1A-subtype was stimulated in combination with the α1B-subtype, suggesting functional antagonism between α1A- and α1B-subtypes. In conclusion, upregulation of α1-AR inotropy in failing RV myocardium requires the α1A-subtype and is opposed by the α1B-subtype. The α1A subtype might be a therapeutic target to improve the function of the failing RV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Cowley
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Guanying Wang
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Audrey N Chang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Om Makwana
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Philip M Swigart
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - David H Lovett
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - James T Stull
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Paul C Simpson
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Anthony J Baker
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, and Department of Medicine, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and
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7
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Del Olmo-Turrubiarte A, Calzada-Torres A, Díaz-Rosas G, Palma-Lara I, Sánchez-Urbina R, Balderrábano-Saucedo NA, González-Márquez H, Garcia-Alonso P, Contreras-Ramos A. Mouse models for the study of postnatal cardiac hypertrophy. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2015; 7:131-140. [PMID: 28785661 PMCID: PMC5497247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to create a postnatal model for cardiac hypertrophy (CH), in order to explain the mechanisms that are present in childhood cardiac hypertrophy. Five days after implantation, intraperitoneal (IP) isoproterenol (ISO) was injected for 7 days to pregnant female mice. The fetuses were obtained at 15, 17 and 19 dpc from both groups, also newborns (NB), neonates (7-15 days) and young adults (6 weeks of age). Histopathological exams were done on the hearts. Immunohistochemistry and western blot demonstrated GATA4 and PCNA protein expression, qPCR real time the mRNA of adrenergic receptors (α-AR and β-AR), alpha and beta myosins (α-MHC, β-MHC) and GATA4. After the administration of ISO, there was no change in the number of offsprings. We observed significant structural changes in the size of the offspring hearts. Morphometric analysis revealed an increase in the size of the left ventricular wall and interventricular septum (IVS). Histopathological analysis demonstrated loss of cellular compaction and presence of left ventricular small fibrous foci after birth. Adrenergic receptors might be responsible for changing a physiological into a pathological hypertrophy. However GATA4 seemed to be the determining factor in the pathology. A new animal model was established for the study of pathologic CH in early postnatal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Del Olmo-Turrubiarte
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Biología del Desarrollo y Teratogénesis Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), Mexico.,Posgrado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico
| | - A Calzada-Torres
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Biología del Desarrollo y Teratogénesis Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), Mexico
| | - G Díaz-Rosas
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Biología del Desarrollo y Teratogénesis Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), Mexico
| | | | - R Sánchez-Urbina
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Biología del Desarrollo y Teratogénesis Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), Mexico
| | | | - H González-Márquez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico
| | | | - A Contreras-Ramos
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Biología del Desarrollo y Teratogénesis Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), Mexico
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8
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Alpha-1-adrenergic receptors in heart failure: the adaptive arm of the cardiac response to chronic catecholamine stimulation. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2014; 63:291-301. [PMID: 24145181 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are G protein-coupled receptors activated by catecholamines. The alpha-1A and alpha-1B subtypes are expressed in mouse and human myocardium, whereas the alpha-1D protein is found only in coronary arteries. There are far fewer alpha-1-ARs than beta-ARs in the nonfailing heart, but their abundance is maintained or increased in the setting of heart failure, which is characterized by pronounced chronic elevation of catecholamines and beta-AR dysfunction. Decades of evidence from gain and loss-of-function studies in isolated cardiac myocytes and numerous animal models demonstrate important adaptive functions for cardiac alpha-1-ARs to include physiological hypertrophy, positive inotropy, ischemic preconditioning, and protection from cell death. Clinical trial data indicate that blocking alpha-1-ARs is associated with incident heart failure in patients with hypertension. Collectively, these findings suggest that alpha-1-AR activation might mitigate the well-recognized toxic effects of beta-ARs in the hyperadrenergic setting of chronic heart failure. Thus, exogenous cardioselective activation of alpha-1-ARs might represent a novel and viable approach to the treatment of heart failure.
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Kim MY, Finch AM, Lumbers ER, Boyce AC, Gibson KJ, Eiby YA, Lingwood BE. Expression of adrenoceptor subtypes in preterm piglet heart is different to term heart. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92167. [PMID: 24670668 PMCID: PMC3966759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm delivery increases the risk of inadequate systemic blood flow and hypotension, and many preterm infants fail to respond to conventional inotrope treatments. If the profile of cardiac adrenoceptor subtypes in the preterm neonate is different to that at term this may contribute to these clinical problems. This study measured mRNA expression of β1, β2, α1A, α2A and α2B-adrenoceptor subtypes by real time PCR in term (113d), preterm (91d) and preterm piglets (91d) exposed to maternal glucocorticoid treatment. Abundance of β-adrenoceptor binding sites in the left ventricle was measured using saturation binding assays. Relative abundance of β1-adrenoceptor mRNA in untreated preterm hearts was ∼50% of term abundance in both left and right ventricles (P<0.001). Trends in receptor binding site density measurements supported this observation (P = 0.07). Glucocorticoid exposure increased β1-adrenoceptor mRNA levels in the right ventricle of preterm hearts (P = 0.008) but did not alter expression in the left ventricle (P>0.1). Relative abundance of α1A-adrenoceptor mRNA was the same in preterm and term piglet hearts (P = >0.1) but was reduced by maternal glucocorticoid treatment (P<0.01); α2A-adrenoceptor mRNA abundance was higher in untreated and glucocorticoid exposed preterm piglet hearts than in term piglets (P<0.001). There was no difference between male and female piglets in mRNA abundance of any of the genes studied. In conclusion, there is reduced mRNA abundance of β1-adrenoceptors in the preterm pig heart. If this lower expression of β-adrenoceptors occurs in human preterm infants, it could explain their poor cardiovascular function and their frequent failure to respond to commonly used inotropes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Binding Sites
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Heart/embryology
- Male
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Premature Birth/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/metabolism
- Sus scrofa/embryology
- Term Birth/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Young Kim
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Angela M. Finch
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eugenie R. Lumbers
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Amanda C. Boyce
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen J. Gibson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yvonne A. Eiby
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Barbara E. Lingwood
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
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10
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Baker AJ. Adrenergic signaling in heart failure: a balance of toxic and protective effects. Pflugers Arch 2014; 466:1139-50. [PMID: 24623099 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system and chronic hyperactivation of the sympatho-adrenergic receptors (ARs) β-ARs and α1-ARs, which are thought to be cardiotoxic and worsen pathological remodeling and function. Concurrently, the failing heart manifests significant decreases in sympathetic nerve terminal density, decreased cardiac norepinephrine levels, and marked downregulation of β-AR abundance and signaling. Thus, a state of both feast and famine coexist with respect to the adrenergic state in heart failure. For the failing heart, the hyperadrenergic state is toxic. However, the role of hypoadrenergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of heart failure is less clear. Cardiotoxic effects are known to arise from the β1-AR subtype, and use of β-AR blockers is a cornerstone of current heart failure therapy. However, cardioprotective effects arise from the β2-AR subtype that counteract hyperactive β1-AR signaling, but unfortunately, β2-AR cardioprotective signaling in heart failure is inhibited by β-AR blocker therapy. In contrast to current dogma, recent research shows β1-AR signaling can also be cardioprotective. Moreover, for some forms of heart failure, β2-AR signaling is cardiotoxic. Thus for both β-AR subtypes, there is a balance between cardiotoxic versus cardioprotective effects. In heart failure, stimulation of α1-ARs is widely thought to be cardiotoxic. However, also contrary to current dogma, recent research shows that α1-AR signaling is cardioprotective. Taken together, recent research identifies cardioprotective signaling arising from β1-AR, β2-AR, and α1-ARs. A goal for future therapies will to harness the protective effects of AR signaling while minimizing cardiotoxic effects. The trajectory of heart failure therapy changed radically from the previous and intuitive use of sympathetic agonists, which unfortunately resulted in greater mortality, to the current use of β-AR blockers, which initially seemed counterintuitive. As a cautionary note, if the slow adoption of beta-blocker therapy in heart failure is any guide, then new treatment strategies, especially counterintuitive therapies involving stimulating β-AR and α1-AR signaling, may take considerable time to develop and gain acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Baker
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco and Department of Medicine, University of California, Cardiology Division (111C), 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA,
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11
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O'Connell TD, Jensen BC, Baker AJ, Simpson PC. Cardiac alpha1-adrenergic receptors: novel aspects of expression, signaling mechanisms, physiologic function, and clinical importance. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 66:308-33. [PMID: 24368739 DOI: 10.1124/pr.112.007203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenergic receptors (AR) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that have a crucial role in cardiac physiology in health and disease. Alpha1-ARs signal through Gαq, and signaling through Gq, for example, by endothelin and angiotensin receptors, is thought to be detrimental to the heart. In contrast, cardiac alpha1-ARs mediate important protective and adaptive functions in the heart, although alpha1-ARs are only a minor fraction of total cardiac ARs. Cardiac alpha1-ARs activate pleiotropic downstream signaling to prevent pathologic remodeling in heart failure. Mechanisms defined in animal and cell models include activation of adaptive hypertrophy, prevention of cardiac myocyte death, augmentation of contractility, and induction of ischemic preconditioning. Surprisingly, at the molecular level, alpha1-ARs localize to and signal at the nucleus in cardiac myocytes, and, unlike most GPCRs, activate "inside-out" signaling to cause cardioprotection. Contrary to past opinion, human cardiac alpha1-AR expression is similar to that in the mouse, where alpha1-AR effects are seen most convincingly in knockout models. Human clinical studies show that alpha1-blockade worsens heart failure in hypertension and does not improve outcomes in heart failure, implying a cardioprotective role for human alpha1-ARs. In summary, these findings identify novel functional and mechanistic aspects of cardiac alpha1-AR function and suggest that activation of cardiac alpha1-AR might be a viable therapeutic strategy in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D O'Connell
- VA Medical Center (111-C-8), 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121. ; or Dr. Timothy D. O'Connell, E-mail:
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12
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Papay RS, Shi T, Piascik MT, Naga Prasad SV, Perez DM. α₁A-adrenergic receptors regulate cardiac hypertrophy in vivo through interleukin-6 secretion. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 83:939-48. [PMID: 23404509 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.084483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of α₁-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy is still unclear, because transgenic mice demonstrated hypertrophy or the lack of it despite high receptor overexpression. To further address the role of the α₁-ARs in cardiac hypertrophy, we analyzed unique transgenic mice that overexpress constitutively active mutation (CAM) α₁A-ARs or CAM α₁B-ARs under the regulation of large fragments of their native promoters. These constitutively active receptors are expressed in all tissues that endogenously express their wild-type counterparts as opposed to only myocyte-targeted transgenic mice. In this study, we discovered that CAM α₁A-AR mice in vivo have cardiac hypertrophy independent of changes in blood pressure, corroborating earlier studies, but in contrast to myocyte-targeted α₁A-AR mice. We also found cardiac hypertrophy in CAM α₁B-AR mice, in agreement with previous studies, but hypertrophy only developed in older mice. We also discovered unique α₁-AR-mediated hypertrophic signaling that was AR subtype-specific with CAM α₁A-AR mice secreting atrial naturietic factor and interleukin-6 (IL-6), whereas CAM α₁B-AR mice expressed activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). These particular hypertrophic signals were blocked when the other AR subtype was coactivated. We also discovered that crossbreeding the two CAM models (double CAM α₁A/B-AR) inhibited the development of hypertrophy and was reversible with single receptor activation, suggesting that coactivation of the receptors can lead to novel antagonistic signal transduction. This was confirmed by demonstrating antagonistic signals that were even lower than normal controls in the double CAM α₁A/B-AR mice for p38, NF-κB, and the IL-6/glycoprotein 130/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. Because α₁A/B double knockout mice fail to develop hypertrophy in response to IL-6, our results suggest that IL-6 is a major mediator of α₁A-AR cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Papay
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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13
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Chu C, Thai K, Park KW, Wang P, Makwana O, Lovett DH, Simpson PC, Baker AJ. Intraventricular and interventricular cellular heterogeneity of inotropic responses to α(1)-adrenergic stimulation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2013; 304:H946-53. [PMID: 23355341 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00822.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
α1-Adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) elicit a negative inotropic effect (NIE) in the mouse right ventricular (RV) myocardium but a positive inotropic effect (PIE) in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium. Effects on myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity play a role, but effects on Ca(2+) handling could also contribute. We monitored the effects of α1-AR stimulation on contraction and Ca(2+) transients using single myocytes isolated from the RV or LV. Interestingly, for both the RV and LV, we found heterogeneous myocyte inotropic responses. α1-ARs mediated either a PIE or NIE, although RV myocytes had a greater proportion of cells manifesting a NIE (68%) compared with LV myocytes (36%). Stimulation of a single α1-AR subtype (α1A-ARs) with a subtype-selective agonist also elicited heterogeneous inotropic responses, suggesting that the heterogeneity arose from events downstream of the α1A-AR subtype. For RV and LV myocytes, an α1-AR-mediated PIE was associated with an increased Ca(2+) transient and a NIE was associated with a decreased Ca(2+) transient, suggesting a key role for Ca(2+) handling. For RV and LV myocytes, α1-AR-mediated decreases in the Ca(2+) transient were associated with increased Ca(2+) export from the cell and decreased Ca(2+) content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, for myocytes with α1-AR-induced increased Ca(2+) transients, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) content was not increased, suggesting that other mechanisms contributed to the increased Ca(2+) transients. This study demonstrates the marked heterogeneity of LV and RV cellular inotropic responses to stimulation of α1-ARs and reveals a new aspect of biological heterogeneity among myocytes in the regulation of contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Chu
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
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14
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Perez DM, Doze VA. Cardiac and neuroprotection regulated by α(1)-adrenergic receptor subtypes. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2011; 31:98-110. [PMID: 21338248 DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2010.550008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Sympathetic nervous system regulation by the α(1)-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes (α(1A), α(1B), α(1D)) is complex, whereby chronic activity can be either detrimental or protective for both heart and brain function. This review will summarize the evidence that this dual regulation can be mediated through the different α(1)-AR subtypes in the context of cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, apoptosis, ischemic preconditioning, neurogenesis, locomotion, neurodegeneration, cognition, neuroplasticity, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne M Perez
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, NB50, The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
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15
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Jensen BC, O'Connell TD, Simpson PC. Alpha-1-adrenergic receptors: targets for agonist drugs to treat heart failure. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2010; 51:518-28. [PMID: 21118696 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2010.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from cell, animal, and human studies demonstrates that α1-adrenergic receptors mediate adaptive and protective effects in the heart. These effects may be particularly important in chronic heart failure, when catecholamine levels are elevated and β-adrenergic receptors are down-regulated and dysfunctional. This review summarizes these data and proposes that selectively activating α1-adrenergic receptors in the heart might represent a novel and effective way to treat heart failure. This article is part of a special issue entitled "Key Signaling Molecules in Hypertrophy and Heart Failure."
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Jensen
- Cardiology Division, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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16
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Rivard K, Trépanier-Boulay V, Rindt H, Fiset C. Electrical remodeling in a transgenic mouse model of alpha1B-adrenergic receptor overexpression. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2008; 296:H704-18. [PMID: 19112097 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00337.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac-specific overexpression of wild-type alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(1B)-AR) in mice predisposes to dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden death. Although alpha-adrenergic stimulation is thought to contribute to induction of arrhythmias in heart failure, the electrophysiological consequences of chronic alpha(1)-adrenergic activation have not been clearly defined. Thus we characterized ventricular repolarization and monitored incidence of spontaneous arrhythmias in end-stage heart failure alpha(1B)-AR mice (9-12 mo) and younger alpha(1B)-AR mice (2-3 mo) that do not present signs of heart failure. Compared with aged-matched controls, the corrected QT interval was 34% longer in the 9- to 12-mo alpha(1B)-AR mice, and the action potential durations were also significantly prolonged in these mice. These changes were associated with a decrease in the density of the outward K(+) currents, Ca(2+)-independent transient, ultrarapid delayed rectifier, and steady state (at +30 mV, reduction of 68, 64, and 41%, respectively), and underlying K(+) channel expression. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings revealed that older alpha(1B)-AR mice exhibited spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. The alterations in repolarization can contribute to these rhythm abnormalities and are likely caused by chronic alpha(1B)-AR activity. Additional data obtained in 2- to 3-mo alpha(1B)-AR mice clearly showed that electrical remodeling was already observed in younger transgenic animals. However, it appeared to be slightly less pronounced than in older mice. These results suggest that there are two waves of remodeling: one due to chronic alpha(1B)-AR activity, and a second due to heart failure. Taken together, these data provide strong evidence for a pathological role of chronic alpha(1B)-AR activity in the development of repolarization defects and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Rivard
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada H1T 1C8
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17
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Iwai-Kanai E, Hasegawa K. Intracellular signaling pathways for norepinephrine- and endothelin-1-mediated regulation of myocardial cell apoptosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2005; 259:163-8. [PMID: 15124920 DOI: 10.1023/b:mcbi.0000021368.80389.b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating data support the idea that apoptosis in cardiac myocytes, in part, contributes to the development of heart failure. Since a number of neurohormonal factors are activated in this state, these factors may be involved in the positive and negative regulation of apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. Norepinephrine is one such factor and induces apoptosis in cardiac myocytes via a beta-adrenergic receptor pathway. beta-adrenergic agonist-induced apoptosis in cardiac myocytes is dependent on the activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. Interestingly, the activation of this pathway protects PC12 cells from apoptosis, suggesting that cAMP/protein kinase A regulates apoptosis in a cell type-specific manner. Another neurohormonal factor activated in heart failure is endothelin-1, which acts as a potent survival factor against myocardial cell apoptosis. Intracellular signaling pathways for endothelin-1-mediated protection include activation of MEK-1 /ERK1/2 and PI3 kinase. In addition to these protective pathways common among cell types, endothelin- activates the calcium-activated phosphatase calcineurin, which is necessary for the nuclear import of NFAT transcription factors. These factors interact with the cardiac-restricted zinc finger protein GATA-4 and induce transcription and expression of anti-apoptotic molecule bcl-2. Thus, myocardial cell apoptosis is regulated by pathways unique to cardiac myocytes as well as by those common among cell types. It should be further determined whether agents that specifically block myocardial cell apoptosis will attenuate the progression of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Iwai-Kanai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Roman BB, Goldspink PH, Spaite E, Urboniene D, McKinney R, Geenen DL, Solaro RJ, Buttrick PM. Inhibition of PKC phosphorylation of cTnI improves cardiac performance in vivo. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2004; 286:H2089-95. [PMID: 14726296 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00582.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) modulates cardiomyocyte function by phosphorylation of intracellular targets including myofilament proteins. Data generated from studies on in vitro heart preparations indicate that PKC phosphorylation of troponin I (TnI), primarily via PKC-epsilon, may slow the rates of cardiac contraction and relaxation (+dP/dt and -dP/dt). To explore this issue in vivo, we employed transgenic mice [mutant TnI (mTnI) mice] in which the major PKC phosphorylation sites on cardiac TnI were mutated by alanine substitutions for Ser(43) and Ser(45) and studied in situ hemodynamics at baseline and increased inotropy. Hearts from mTnI mice exhibited increased contractility, as shown by a 30% greater +dP/dt and 18% greater -dP/dt than FVB hearts, and had a negligible response to isoproterenol compared with FVB mice, in which +dP/dt increased by 33% and -dP/dt increased by 26%. Treatment with phenylephrine and propranolol gave a similar result; FVB mouse hearts demonstrated a 20% increase in developed pressure, whereas mTnI mice showed no response. Back phosphorylation of TnI from mTnI hearts demonstrated that the mutation of the PKC sites was associated with an enhanced PKA-dependent phosphorylation independent of a change in basal cAMP levels. Our results demonstrate the important role that PKC-dependent phosphorylation of TnI has on the modulation of cardiac function under basal as well as augmented states and indicate interdependence of the phosphorylation sites of TnI in hearts beating in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian B Roman
- Section of Cardiology, University of Illinois, 840 S. Wood Street (M/C 715), Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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19
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Khairallah M, Labarthe F, Bouchard B, Danialou G, Petrof BJ, Des Rosiers C. Profiling substrate fluxes in the isolated working mouse heart using 13C-labeled substrates: focusing on the origin and fate of pyruvate and citrate carbons. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 286:H1461-70. [PMID: 14670819 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00942.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The availability of genetically modified mice requires the development of methods to assess heart function and metabolism in the intact beating organ. With the use of radioactive substrates and ex vivo perfusion of the mouse heart in the working mode, previous studies have documented glucose and fatty acid oxidation pathways. This study was aimed at characterizing the metabolism of other potentially important exogenous carbohydrate sources, namely, lactate and pyruvate. This was achieved by using (13)C-labeling methods. The mouse heart perfusion setup and buffer composition were optimized to reproduce conditions close to the in vivo milieu in terms of workload, cardiac functions, and substrate-hormone supply to the heart (11 mM glucose, 0.8 nM insulin, 50 microM carnitine, 1.5 mM lactate, 0.2 mM pyruvate, 5 nM epinephrine, 0.7 mM oleate, and 3% albumin). The use of three differentially (13)C-labeled carbohydrates and a (13)C-labeled long-chain fatty acid allowed the quantitative assessment of the metabolic origin and fate of tissue pyruvate as well as the relative contribution of substrates feeding acetyl-CoA (pyruvate and fatty acids) and oxaloacetate (pyruvate) for mitochondrial citrate synthesis. Beyond concurring with the notion that the mouse heart preferentially uses fatty acids for energy production (63.5 +/- 3.9%) and regulates its fuel selection according to the Randle cycle, our study reports for the first time in the mouse heart the following findings. First, exogenous lactate is the major carbohydrate contributing to pyruvate formation (42.0 +/- 2.3%). Second, lactate and pyruvate are constantly being taken up and released by the heart, supporting the concept of compartmentation of lactate and glucose metabolism. Finally, mitochondrial anaplerotic pyruvate carboxylation and citrate efflux represent 4.9 +/- 1.8 and 0.8 +/- 0.1%, respectively, of the citric acid cycle flux and are modulated by substrate supply. The described (13)C-labeling strategy combined with an experimental setup that enables continuous monitoring of physiological parameters offers a unique model to clarify the link between metabolic alterations, cardiac dysfunction, and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Khairallah
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2L 4M1
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20
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Turnbull L, McCloskey DT, O'Connell TD, Simpson PC, Baker AJ. Alpha 1-adrenergic receptor responses in alpha 1AB-AR knockout mouse hearts suggest the presence of alpha 1D-AR. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2003; 284:H1104-9. [PMID: 12595294 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00441.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Two functional alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes (alpha(1A) and alpha(1B)) have been identified in the mouse heart. However, it is unclear whether the third known subtype, alpha(1D)-AR, is also present. To investigate this, we determined whether there were alpha(1)-AR responses in hearts from a novel mouse model lacking alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-ARs (double knockout) (ABKO). In Langendorff-perfused hearts, alpha(1)-ARs were stimulated with phenylephrine. For ABKO hearts, phenylephrine reduced left ventricular pressure and coronary flow (to 87 +/- 2% and 86 +/- 4% of initial, respectively, n = 11, P < 0.01). These effects were blocked by prazosin and 8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-8-azaspirol[4,5]decane-7,9-dione] dihydrochloride, suggesting that alpha(1D)-AR-mediated responses were present. In contrast, right ventricular trabeculae from ABKO hearts did not respond to phenylephrine, suggesting that in ABKO perfused hearts, the effects of phenylephrine were not mediated by direct actions on cardiomyocytes. A novel finding was that alpha(1)-AR stimulation caused positive inotropy in the wild-type mouse heart, in contrast to negative inotropy observed in mouse cardiac muscle strips. We conclude that mouse hearts lacking alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-ARs retain functional alpha(1)-AR responses involving decreases of coronary flow and ventricular pressure that reflect alpha(1D)-AR-mediated vasoconstriction. Furthermore, alpha(1)-AR inotropic responses depend critically on the experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Turnbull
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, USA
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21
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Abstract
Adrenergic receptors transduce signals through the G proteins to regulate cardiac function. The catecholamines, via alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation, may play a role in the development of heart failure. Norepinephrine and isoproterenol can induce cardiac myocyte apoptosis. Studies suggest that alpha-, beta1-, and beta2-adrenergic pathways differentially regulate cardiac myocyte apoptosis. The stimulation of beta1-AR leads to cyclic AMP-dependent apoptosis, whereas that of the beta2-AR elicits concurrent apoptosis and survival signals in cardiac myocytes coupled to Gs protein. Overexpression of alpha1-adrenergic receptors does not induce apoptosis in wild-type mice. In contrast, the heart failure observed in some murine models has to be related to an enhanced beta-AR kinase expression. These recent advances make it possible to understand the beneficial effects of beta-blockers in the treatment of chronic heart failure and provide novel therapeutic modalities through the stimulation of beta2-ARs or the inhibition of beta-AR kinase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Leone
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Nord Hospital, Marseille University Hospital System, Marseille School of Medicine, Marseille, France
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22
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Tanoue A, Koshimizu TA, Tsujimoto G. Transgenic studies of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor subtype function. Life Sci 2002; 71:2207-15. [PMID: 12215368 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(02)02012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mice with altered alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor (AR) genes have become important tools in elucidating the subtype-specific functions of the three alpha(1)-AR subtypes because of the lack of sufficiently subtype-selective pharmacological agents. Mice with a deletion (knockout, KO) or an overexpression (transgenic, TG) of the alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)-, or alpha(1D)-AR subtypes have been generated. The alpha(1)-ARs are the principal mediators of the hypertensive response to alpha(1)-agonists in the cardiovascular system. Studies with these mice indicate that alpha(1A)-AR and alpha(1B)-AR subtypes play an important role in cardiac development and/or function as well as in blood pressure (BP) response to alpha(1)-agonists via vasoconstriction. The alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-subtypes also appear to be involved in central nervous system (CNS) processes such as nociceptive responses, modulation of memory consolidation and working memory. The ability to study subtype-specific functions in different mouse strains by altering the same alpha(1)-AR in different ways strengthens the conclusions drawn from these studies. Although these genetic approaches have limitations, they have significantly increased our understanding of the functions of alpha(1)-AR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akito Tanoue
- Department of Molecular, Cell Pharmacology, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Lemire I, Ducharme A, Tardif JC, Poulin F, Jones LR, Allen BG, Hébert TE, Rindt H. Cardiac-directed overexpression of wild-type alpha1B-adrenergic receptor induces dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 281:H931-8. [PMID: 11454600 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2001.281.2.h931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Using transgenesis as a paradigm, we show here that alpha1-adrenergic receptors (alpha1AR) play an important role in cardiac homeostasis. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the alpha(1B)AR subtype resulted in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy and death at ~9 mo of age with typical signs of heart failure. Histological analyses showed the enlargement of all four cardiac chambers and cardiomyocyte disarray in the failing hearts. Transgenic animals showed increased left ventricular areas, as assessed by echocardiography. In addition, a progressive decrease in left ventricular systolic function was revealed. The abundance and activity of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2) were reduced, and the ratio of phospholamban to SERCA2 was increased. alpha-Myosin heavy chain (MHC) mRNA was less abundant in older transgenic ventricles, whereas beta-MHC was induced in the failing hearts. Titin mRNA abundance was decreased at 9 mo, whereas atrial natriuretic factor mRNA was elevated at all times. This model mimics structural and functional features of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The results of this study suggest that chronic alpha1AR activity is deleterious for cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Lemire
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1T 1C8
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24
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Abstract
The acute contractile function of the heart is controlled by the effects of released nonepinephrine (NE) on cardiac adrenergic receptors. NE can also act in a more chronic fashion to induce cardiomyocyte growth, characterized by cell enlargement (hypertrophy), increased protein synthesis, alterations in gene expression and addition of sarcomeres. These responses enhance cardiomyocyte contractile function and thus allow the heart to compensate for increased stress. The hypertrophic effects of NE are mediated through Gq-coupled alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors and are mimicked by the actions of other neurohormones (endothelin, prostaglandin F(2alpha) angiotensin II) that also act on Gq-coupled receptors. Activation of phospholipase C by Gq is necessary for these responses, and protein kinase C and MAP kinases have also been implicated. Gq stimulated cardiac hypertrophy is also evident in transgenic mouse models. In contrast, stimulation of G(s)-coupled beta-adrenergic receptors or G(i)-coupled receptors do not directly effect cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Apoptosis is also induced by G-protein-coupled receptor stimulation in cardiomyocytes. Sustained or excessive activation of either Gq- or Gs-signaling pathways results in apoptotic loss of cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Apoptosis is associated with decreased ventricular function in the failing heart. Cardiomyocytes provide an ideal model system for understanding the basis for G-protein mediated hypertrophy and apoptosis, and the mechanisms responsible for the transition from compensatory to deleterious levels of signaling. This information may prove critical for designing interventions that prevent the pathophysiological consequences of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Adams
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Pharmacology, 9500 Gilman Drive, 0636, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
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25
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Shan K, Bick RJ, Poindexter BJ, Nagueh SF, Shimoni S, Verani MS, Keng F, Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Howell JF, Zoghbi WA. Altered adrenergic receptor density in myocardial hibernation in humans: A possible mechanism of depressed myocardial function. Circulation 2000; 102:2599-606. [PMID: 11085963 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.102.21.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in adrenergic receptor densities can potentially contribute to myocardial dysfunction. Their relevance to myocardial hibernation in humans is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS Accordingly, 22 transmural myocardial biopsies were obtained in 11 patients with ischemic ventricular dysfunction during bypass surgery, guided by transesophageal echocardiography. Patients underwent dobutamine echocardiography (DE) and rest scintigraphic studies before revascularization and DE at 3 to 4 months. alpha- and ss-receptor density (ARD and BRD) and extent of fibrosis were quantified from the myocardial biopsies. Of the 22 segments, 16 had abnormal rest function and 6 were normal. Severely hypokinetic or akinetic segments showed a 2.4-fold increase in ARD with a concomitant 50% decrease in BRD compared with normal segments. An increase in ARD, a decrease in BRD to a lesser extent, and thus an increase in ARD/BRD ratio were seen in dysfunctional segments with contractile reserve compared with normal segments and were most pronounced in those without contractile reserve (P:<0.001). Similar findings were observed if recovery of function or scintigraphic uptake was analyzed as a marker for viability. No significant relation between either ARD or BRD and percent myocardial fibrosis was noted (r=0.37 and -0.39, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Thus, graded and reciprocal changes in alpha- and ss-adrenergic receptor densities occur in viable, hibernating myocardium and may account in part for the observed depression in resting myocardial function and preserved contractile reserve in this entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77030, USA
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