Resveratrol protects adult cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress mediated cell injury.

Recent studies from our laboratory have showed that resveratrol, a polyphenol found predominantly in grapes rendered strong cardioprotection in animal models of heart disease. The cardioprotection which was observed was primarily associated with the ability of resveratrol to reduce oxidative stress in these models. The aim of the current study was to corroborate the role of resveratrol as an inhibitor of oxidative stress and explore the underlying mechanisms of its action in heart disease. For this purpose, we used a cell model of oxidative stress, the hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) exposed adult rat cardiomyocytes, which was treated with and without resveratrol (30 µM); cardiomyocytes which were not exposed to resveratrol served as controls. Cell injury, cell death and oxidative stress measurements as well as the activities of the major endogenous antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were carried out in control and H(2)O(2) exposed cardiomyocytes, treated with and without resveratrol. Pharmacological blockade using specific blockers of the antioxidant enzymes were used to confirm their role in mediating resveratrol action in H(2)O(2) exposed cardiomyocytes. The status of H(2)O(2) and antioxidant enzymes in serum samples from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) treated with and without resveratrol (2.5 mg/kg body weight) was also examined. Our results showed significant cell injury and death in H(2)O(2) exposed cardiomyocytes which was prevented upon resveratrol treatment. SOD and CAT activities were decreased in H(2)O(2) exposed adult rat cardiomyocytes; treatment with resveratrol significantly prevented this reduction. However, GPx activity was not altered in the H(2)O(2) exposed cardiomyocytes in comparison to controls. Pharmacological blockade of SOD and/or CAT prevented the beneficial effect of resveratrol. In SHR, H(2)O(2) levels were increased, but CAT activity was decreased, while SOD remained unchanged, when compared to WKY rats; resveratrol treatment significantly prevented the increase in H(2)O(2) levels and the decrease in CAT activities in SHR. Based on our results, we conclude that treatment with resveratrol prevents oxidative stress induced cardiomyocyte injury mainly by preserving the activities of critical antioxidant enzymes. This may be a crucial mechanism by which resveratrol confers cardioprotection.

Depressed levels of Ca2+-cycling proteins may underlie sarcoplasmic reticulum dysfunction in the diabetic heart.

In view of the depressed sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-pump and Ca2+-release activities in the diabetic heart and the critical role of phosphorylation in regulating the SR function, we examined the status of Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-mediated phosphorylations in the diabetic heart. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by an injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.v.), and the animals were killed 6 weeks later for assessment of the ventricular SR function. Depressed cardiac performance and SR Ca2+-uptake and -release activities in diabetic animals were accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of SR Ca2+-cycling proteins, such as ryanodine receptor, Ca2+-pump ATPase, and phospholamban. On the other hand, the CaMK- and PKA-mediated phosphorylations of these Ca2+-cycling proteins, the endogenous SR CaMK and PKA activities, and the endogenous SR and cytosolic phosphatase activities were increased in the diabetic heart. Treatment of 3-week diabetic animals with insulin partially or fully prevented the diabetes-induced changes in cardiac performance, SR Ca2+-uptake and -release activites, and SR protein content, whereas the diabetes-induced changes in SR CaMK- and PKA-mediated phosphorylations and activities, as well as phosphatase activities, were not significantly affected. These results suggest that the reduced content of the Ca2+-cycling proteins, unlike alterations in PKA and phosphatase activities, appear to be the major defect underlying SR dysfunction in the diabetic heart.

Ischemic preconditioning prevents I/R-induced alterations in SR calcium-calmodulin protein kinase II.

Although Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) is known to modulate the function of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) under physiological conditions, the status of SR CaMK II in ischemic preconditioning (IP) of the heart is not known. IP was induced by subjecting the isolated perfused rat hearts to three cycles of brief ischemia-reperfusion (I/R; 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion), whereas the control hearts were perfused for 30 min with oxygenated medium. Sustained I/R in control and IP groups was induced by 30 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. The left ventricular developed pressure, rate of the left ventricular pressure, as well as SR Ca(2+)-uptake activity and SR Ca(2+)-pump ATPase activity were depressed in the control I/R hearts; these changes were prevented upon subjecting the hearts to IP. The beneficial effects of IP on the I/R-induced changes in contractile activity and SR Ca(2+) pump were lost upon treating the hearts with KN-93, a specific CaMK II inhibitor. IP also prevented the I/R-induced depression in Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent SR Ca(2+)-uptake activity and the I/R-induced decrease in the SR CaMK II activity; these effects of IP were blocked by KN-93. The results indicate that IP may prevent the I/R-induced alterations in SR Ca(2+) handling abilities by preserving the SR CaMK II activity, and it is suggested that CaMK II may play a role in mediating the beneficial effects of IP on heart function.

Role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVES: In view of the critical role of intracellular Ca2 overload in the genesis of myocyte dysfunction and the ability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce the intracellular Ca2+-overload, this article is concerned with analysis of the existing literature with respect to the role of oxidative stress in different types of cardiovascular diseases. OBSERVATIONS: Oxidative stress in cardiac and vascular myocytes describes the injury caused to cells resulting from increased formation of ROS and/or decreased antioxidant reserve. The increase in the generation of ROS seems to be due to impaired mitochondrial reduction of molecular oxygen, secretion of ROS by white blood cells, endothelial dysfunction, auto-oxidation of catecholamines, as well as exposure to radiation or air pollution. On the other hand, depression in the antioxidant reserve, which serves as a defense mechanism in cardiac and vascular myocytes, appears to be due to the exhaustion and/or changes in gene expression. The deleterious effects of ROS are mainly due to abilities of ROS to produce changes in subcellular organelles, and induce intracellular Ca2+-overload. Although the cause-effect relationship of oxidative stress with any of the cardiovascular diseases still remains to be established, increased formation of ROS indicating the presence of oxidative stress has been observed in a wide variety of experimental and clinical conditions. Furthermore, antioxidant therapy has been shown to exert beneficial effects in hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies and congestive heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: The existing evidence support the view that oxidative stress may play a crucial role in cardiac and vascular abnormalities in different types of cardiovascular diseases and that the antioxidant therapy may prove beneficial in combating these problems.

Effect of beta-adrenoceptor blockers on sarcoplasmic reticular function and gene expression in the ischemic-reperfused heart.

Although beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) blockers are used for the treatment of ischemic heart disease, the mechanisms of their beneficial actions have not been fully elucidated. In view of the role of sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) abnormalities in cardiac dysfunction due to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), we examined the effects of beta-AR blockers on the I/R-induced changes in SR Ca(2+) uptake and release, as well as the protein contents and gene expression of ryanodine receptor, SR Ca(2+)-pump, phospholamban, and calsequestrin. I/R in isolated rat hearts was induced by stopping the perfusion for 30 min and then reperfusing the ischemic hearts for 60 min. Hearts were treated with or without 10 microM atenolol, a beta(1)-specific blocker, or 10 microM propranolol, a nonspecific beta-blocker, 10 min before inducing ischemia as well as during the reperfusion period. I/R depressed cardiac performance, SR Ca(2+) uptake, and Ca(2+) release activities, protein contents, as well as Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated phosphorylations, significantly. The mRNA levels for SR Ca(2+) pump, ryanodine receptors, phospholamban, and calsequestrin were also reduced by I/R. All these changes due to I/R were partially prevented by beta-AR blocker treatment. The results indicate that the beneficial effects of beta-AR blockers on cardiac performance in the I/R hearts may be related to the prevention of changes in SR Ca(2+) uptake and release activities, protein contents, as well as Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylations of SR proteins. On the other hand, the protection of I/R-induced alterations in mRNA levels for SR proteins by beta-AR blockers suggests cardiac SR gene expression as a molecular site of their cardioprotective action.

Mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning effects on Ca(2+) paradox-induced changes in heart.

The effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on changes in cardiac performance and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function due to Ca(2+) paradox were investigated. Isolated perfused hearts were subjected to IP (three cycles of 3-min ischemia and 3-min reperfusion) followed by Ca(2+)-free perfusion and reperfusion (Ca(2+) paradox). Perfusion of hearts with Ca(2+)-free medium for 5 min followed by reperfusion with Ca(2+)-containing medium for 30 min resulted in a dramatic decrease in the left ventricular (LV) developed pressure and a marked increase in LV end-diastolic pressure. Alterations in cardiac contractile activity due to Ca(2+) paradox were associated with depressed SR Ca(2+)-uptake, Ca(2+)-pump ATPase, and Ca(2+)-release activities as well as decreased SR protein contents for Ca(2+)-pump and Ca(2+) channels. All these changes due to Ca(2+) paradox were significantly prevented in hearts subjected to IP. The protective effects of IP on Ca(2+) paradox changes in cardiac contractile activity as well as SR Ca(2+)-pump and Ca(2+)-release activities were lost when the hearts were treated with 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist; KN-93, a specific Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) inhibitor; or chelerythrine chloride, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. These results indicate that IP rendered cardioprotection by preventing a depression in SR function in Ca(2+) paradox hearts. Furthermore, these beneficial effects of IP may partly be mediated by adenosine receptors, PKC, and CaMK II.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase is altered in heart failure.

Although Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMK) is known to phosphorylate different Ca(2+) cycling proteins in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and regulate its function, the status of CaMK in heart failure has not been investigated previously. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that changes in the CaMK-mediated phosphorylation of the SR Ca(2+) cycling proteins are associated with heart failure. For this purpose, heart failure in rats was induced by occluding the coronary artery for 8 weeks, and animals with >30% infarct of the left ventricle wall plus septum mass were used. Noninfarcted left ventricle was used for biochemical assessment; sham-operated animals served as control. A significant depression in SR Ca(2+) uptake and release activities was associated with a decrease in SR CaMK phosphorylation of the SR proteins, ryanodine receptor (RyR), Ca(2+) pump ATPase (SR/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase [SERCA2a]), and phospholamban (PLB) in the failing heart. The SR protein contents for RyR, SERCA2a, and PLB were decreased in the failing hearts. Although the SR Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent CaMK activity, CaMK content, and CaMK autophosphorylation were depressed, the SR phosphatase activity was enhanced in the failing heart. On the other hand, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of RyR and PLB was not affected in the failing heart. On the basis of these results, we conclude that alterations in SR CaMK-mediated phosphorylation may be partly responsible for impaired SR function in heart failure.

Serine phosphorylation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase in the intact beating rabbit heart.

Recent studies have demonstrated that Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates the Ca(2+)-pumping ATPase of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in vitro. Also, evidence from in vitro studies suggested that this phosphorylation, occurring at Ser(38), results in stimulation of Ca(2+) transport. In the present study, we investigated whether serine phosphorylation of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase occurs in the intact functioning heart. Hearts removed from anesthetized rabbits were subjected to retrograde aortic perfusion of the coronary arteries with oxygenated mammalian Ringer solution containing (32)P(i) and contractions were monitored by recording systolic left ventricular pressure development. Following 45-50 min of (32)P perfusion, the hearts were freeze-clamped, SR isolated, and analyzed for protein phosphorylation. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography showed phosphorylation of several peptides including the Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+) release channel (ryanodine receptor). The identity of Ca(2+)-ATPase as a phosphorylated substrate was confirmed by Western immunoblotting as well as immunoprecipitation using a cardiac SR Ca(2+)-ATPase-specific monoclonal antibody. The Ca(2+)-ATPase showed immunoreactivity with a phosphoserine monoclonal antibody indicating that the in situ phosphorylation occurred at the serine residue. Quantification of Ca(2+)-ATPase phosphorylation in situ yielded a value of 208 +/- 12 pmol (32)P/mg SR protein which corresponded to the phosphorylation of approximately 20% of the Ca(2+) pump units in the SR membrane. Since this phosphorylation occurred under basal conditions (i.e., in the absence of any inotropic intervention), a considerable steady-state pool of serine-phosphorylated Ca(2+)-ATPase likely exists in the normally beating heart. These findings demonstrate that serine phosphorylation of the Ca(2+)-ATPase is a physiological event which may be important in the regulation of SR function.

Status of Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase phosphorylation of cardiac SR proteins in ischemia-reperfusion.

Although the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is known to regulate the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and the SR function has been shown to become abnormal during ischemia-reperfusion in the heart, the mechanisms for this defect are not fully understood. Because phosphorylation of SR proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of SR function, we investigated the status of endogenous Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) and exogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation of the SR proteins in control, ischemic (I), and ischemia-reperfused (I/R) hearts treated or not treated with superoxide dismutase (SOD) plus catalase (CAT). SR and cytosolic fractions were isolated from control, I, and I/R hearts treated or not treated with SOD plus CAT, and the SR protein phosphorylation by CaMK and PKA, the CaMK- and PKA-stimulated Ca2+ uptake, and the CaMK, PKA, and phosphatase activities were studied. The SR CaMK and CaMK-stimulated Ca2+ uptake activities, as well as CaMK phosphorylation of Ca2+ pump ATPase (SERCA2a) and phospholamban (PLB), were significantly decreased in both I and I/R hearts. The PKA phosphorylation of PLB and PKA-stimulated Ca2+ uptake were reduced significantly in the I/R hearts only. Cytosolic CaMK and PKA activities were unaltered, whereas SR phosphatase activity in the I and I/R hearts was depressed. SOD plus CAT treatment prevented the observed alterations in SR CaMK and phosphatase activities, CaMK and PKA phosphorylations, and CaMK- and PKA-stimulated Ca2+ uptake. These results indicate that depressed CaMK phosphorylation and CaMK-stimulated Ca2+ uptake in I/R hearts may be due to a depression in the SR CaMK activity. Furthermore, prevention of the I/R-induced alterations in SR protein phosphorylation by SOD plus CAT treatment is consistent with the role of oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart.

Alterations in sarcoplasmic reticulum function and gene expression in ischemic-reperfused rat heart.

In view of the critical role of sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca(2+) release and the Ca(2+) pump in cardiac contraction-relaxation, this study was undertaken to assess the status of SR function, protein content, and gene expression in isolated rat hearts subjected to global ischemia for 30 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion (I/R). Attenuated recovery of contractile function in the I/R hearts was associated with reduced SR Ca(2+) uptake, Ca(2+) release, and ryanodine-binding activities. mRNA levels and protein contents for SR Ca(2+) pump ATPase and Ca(2+) release channels were markedly depressed in the I/R hearts. Perfusion of hearts with superoxide dismutase plus catalase, well-known scavengers of oxyradicals, prevented the I/R-induced alterations in cardiac function and partially prevented SR Ca(2+) transport activities and mRNA abundance. In hearts perfused with xanthine plus xanthine oxidase or H(2)O(2), changes similar to those in the I/R hearts were observed. These results indicate that oxyradicals may participate in depressing the SR Ca(2+) handling and gene expression in the I/R heart. It is suggested that treatment of hearts with antioxidants may improve the recovery of cardiac function by preserving the SR function and partially protecting the SR gene expression.

Palmitoyl carnitine increases intracellular calcium in adult rat cardiomyocytes.

Earlier studies have demonstrated that palmitoyl carnitine (PC), a long chain acyl carnitine, accumulates in the ischemic myocardium. Although perfusion of hearts with PC is known to induce contractile dysfunction which resembles ischemic contracture, the mechanisms underlying this derangement are not clear. In this study, we examined the effect of exogenous PC on the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in freshly isolated cardiomyocytes from adult rat hearts. The results showed that PC elevated [Ca(2+)](i)in a dose-dependent (5-20 microm) manner; 15 microm PC evoked a marked and reversible increase in [Ca(2+)](i)without having any significant action on cell viability. The PC (15 microm)-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i)was slightly depressed but delayed in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). Pre-incubation of cardiomyocytes with sarcolemmal (SL) l -type Ca(2+)-channel blockers, verapamil or diltiazem, and inhibitors of SL Na(+)-Ca(2+)exchanger such as Ni(2+)or amiloride, depressed the PC-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)](i)significantly. Ouabain, a Na(+)-K(+)ATPase inhibitor, and low concentrations of extracellular Na(+)enhanced the PC-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)stores by low micromolar concentrations of ryanodine (a SR Ca(2+)-release channel activator) or by thapsigargin (a SR Ca(2+)-pump ATPase inhibitor) depressed the PC-mediated increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Combined blockade of the l -type Ca(2+)channel, Na(+)-Ca(2+)exchanger and the SR Ca(2+)-pump had an additive inhibitory effect on the PC response. These observations suggest that the PC-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i)is dependent on both Ca(2+)-influx from the extracellular space and Ca(2+)-release from the SR stores. Thus, the accumulation of PC in the myocardium may be partly responsible for the occurrence of intracellular Ca(2+)overload in ischemic heart.

Prevention of Vascular Apoptosis in Myocardial Infarction by Losartan.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the occurrence of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes in different types of cardiovascular diseases. This report provides the first evidence for the presence of vascular apoptosis in myocardial infarction induced in rats by occluding the coronary artery for 7 weeks. METHODS AND RESULTS: Apoptosis was characterized by DNA fragmentation, upregulation of caspase-3, downregulation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increased c-fos mRNA expression and caspase-3/PARP ratio in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. The results show apoptotic changes in 10-25% of the aortic vascular cells after myocardial infarction; these alterations were prevented after treating the 3-week operated animals with an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, losartan (25 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneal) for 4 weeks. Cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells exposed to 10 nmol/L angiotensin II for 48 hours also exhibited apoptotic changes, which were inhibited by 10 nmol/L losartan. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that vascular apoptosis occurs in myocardial infarction, and this may be due to an increase in the circulating levels of angiotensin II.

Beneficial effect of ischemic preconditioning on Ca2+ paradox in the rat heart.

The effect of ischemic preconditioning (IP; 3 min ischemia plus 3 min reperfusion) on the recovery of cardiac function after Ca2+ depletion was investigated. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to different cycles of IP episodes followed by Ca2+ free perfusion and repletion. Perfusion of control hearts with Ca2+ free medium for 5 min followed by repletion of Ca2+ for 30 min resulted in a marked decrease in the left ventricular (LV) developed pressure and an increase in LV end-diastolic pressure (Ca2+ paradox). The depressed function due to Ca2+ paradox recovered with three cycles of IP. Myoglobin release during Ca2+ repletion also decreased significantly by three cycles of IP. The beneficial effects of IP were also evident when the hearts were subjected to a mild form of Ca2+ paradox involving 3 min Ca2+ depletion. The protective effect rendered by IP disappeared when 10 microM of 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline, adenosine antagonist was perfused for 10 min before IP. These results suggest that IP exerts beneficial effects on Ca2+ paradox which may be mediated by adenosine.

Mechanisms of lysophosphatidylcholine-induced increase in intracellular calcium in rat cardiomyocytes.

Previous reports have demonstrated that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) increases the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca++]i) in the heart; however, the mechanisms responsible for this increase are not clear. We examined the effect of exogenous LPC on [Ca++]i in freshly isolated cardiomyocytes from adult rats. Our results showed that LPC elevated the [Ca++]i in a dose-dependent (2.5-10 microM) manner. The LPC (10 microM)-induced increase in [Ca++]i was augmented upon increasing the concentration of extracellular Ca++ and was abolished by the removal of Ca++ from the medium. Preincubation of cardiomyocytes with sarcolemmal L-type Ca++ channel blocker, verapamil, did not affect the LPC-evoked increase in [Ca++]i significantly. On the other hand, ouabain, a Na(+)-K+ ATPase inhibitor, and low concentrations of extracellular Na+ enhanced the LPC response. The LPC-induced increase in [Ca++]i was attenuated significantly by the inhibitors of Na(+)-Ca++ exchanger such as Ni++ and amiloride. Depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca++ stores by low micromolar concentrations of ryanodine (a SR Ca(++)-release channel activator) or by thapsigargin (a SR Ca(++)-pump ATPase inhibitor) depressed the LPC-mediated increase in [Ca++]i. Combined blockade of Na(+)-Ca++ exchanger and inhibition of SR Ca(++)-pump or ryanodine receptor had an additive effect on the LPC response. These observations suggest that the increase in [Ca++]i induced by LPC depends on both Ca(++)-influx from the extracellular space and Ca(++)-release from the SR stores. Furthermore, Na(+)-Ca++ exchange plays a critical role in the LPC-mediated entry of Ca++ into cardiomyocytes.

Modification of ischemia-reperfusion-induced changes in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum by preconditioning.

To examine the effects of ischemic preconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion-induced changes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function, isolated rat hearts were either perfused with a control medium for 30 min or preconditioned with three episodes of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion before sustained ischemia for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 30 min was induced. Preconditioning itself depressed cardiac function (left ventricular developed pressure, peak rate of contraction, and peak rate of relaxation) and SR Ca2+-release and -uptake activities as well as protein content and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) phosphorylation of Ca2+-release channels by 25-60%. Global ischemia for 30 min produced marked depressions in SR Ca2+-release and -uptake activities as well as SR Ca2+-pump protein content in control hearts; these changes were significantly attenuated by preconditioning. Compared with the control preparations, preconditioning improved the recovery of cardiac function and SR Ca2+-release and -uptake activities as well as Ca2+-release channel and Ca2+-pump protein contents in the ischemic-reperfused hearts. Unlike the protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation in SR membranes, the CaMK-mediated phosphorylations at Ca2+-release channels, Ca2+ pump, and phospholamban were depressed in the ischemic hearts; these changes were prevented by preconditioning. These results indicate that ischemic preconditioning may exert beneficial effects on ischemia-reperfusion-induced alterations in SR function by preventing changes in Ca2+-release channel and Ca2+-pump protein contents in the SR membrane.

Phosphorylation of cardiac Na+-K+ ATPase by Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase.

Na+-K+ ATPase is known to be involved in the transport of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane. We describe here a novel mechanism for the regulation of cardiac Na+-K+ ATPase through phosphorylation by a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) present in the sarcolemmal membrane. Incubation of cardiac sarcolemma in the presence of Ca2+ and calmodulin resulted in phosphorylation of a 110 kDa protein, identified as the alpha-subunit of Na+-K+ ATPase. The compound W-7, a potent inhibitor of calmodulin, caused significant inhibition of the CaM kinase-mediated phosphorylation while ouabain, a potent inhibitor of Na+-K+ ATPase, had no effect. Furthermore, phosphorylation of the sarcolemmal membrane with Ca2+/calmodulin caused significant reduction in the activity of Na+-K+ ATPase. These results suggest that phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of Na+-K+ ATPase by an endogenous CaM kinase may lead to an inhibition of its catalytic activity.

Characterisation of the canine cardiac sarcolemma in experimental myocardial ischemia.

The cardiac sarcolemma was characterized in 13 normal and 11 ischemic dog hearts by enzyme analysis and compositional assays. Significant decreases in the activities of the sodium-potassium and calcium pumps and structural compositional disturbances were observed in ischemia. High concentrations of oleic acid, a fatty acid and palmitoyl carnitine, a fatty acid intermediate caused inhibition of the enzyme pump activities of the normal sarcolemma. Thus, ischemia results in the functional impairment of the sarcolemma. Accumulation of fatty acid and fatty acid intermediates, occurring in myocardial ischemia, could be an underlying mechanism.

Divergent effects of ruthenium red and ryanodine on Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of the Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum.

In cardiac muscle, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is known to phosphorylate the membrane proteins phospholamban, Ca(2+)-ATPase, and Ca(2+)-release channel (ryanodine receptor). Phosphorylation of phospholamban and Ca(2+)-ATPase is recognized to stimulate Ca2+ sequestration by the SR but the functional consequence of Ca2+ channel phosphorylation has not been clearly established. In this study, we investigated the effects of the SR Ca(2+)-release inhibitor, ruthenium red (RR), and the SR Ca(2+)-release activator, ryanodine (at submicromolar concentrations), on CaM kinase-mediated phosphorylation of the Ca(2+)-cycling proteins in rabbit cardiac SR. Incubation of SR with RR (5-30 microM) for 3 min at 37 degrees C resulted in marked (up to 85%) inhibition of Ca2+ channel phosphorylation (50% inhibition with 15 +/- 2 microM RR) by the endogenous membrane-associated CaM kinase. Phosphorylation of the Ca2+ channel by exogenously added multifunctional alpha CaM kinase II was also inhibited similarly by RR. Phosphorylation of the Ca(2+)-ATPase by endogenous and exogenous CaM kinase was inhibited only modestly (25-30%) by RR, and phospholamban phosphorylation was unaffected by RR. The magnitude of RR-induced inhibition of Ca2+ channel phosphorylation did not differ appreciably at saturating or subsaturating concentrations of Ca2+ or calmodulin, and in the absence or presence of protein phosphatase inhibitors. In contrast to the effects of RR, low concentrations of ryanodine (0.25-1 microM) caused significant stimulation (up to approximately 50%) of Ca2+ channel phosphorylation but had no effect on Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban phosphorylation. These findings suggest that interaction of RR with the ryanodine receptor induces a "nonphosphorylatable state" of the Ca(2+)-release channel, likely through a conformational change involving occlusion of the CaM kinase phosphorylation site. On the other hand, ryanodine binding to the receptor may serve to maintain an open, "phosphorylatable state" of the channel.