Biomedical subjects

Amanda Lochner

Publications and source records attributed to Amanda Lochner.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Efficacy of ischaemic preconditioning in the eNOS overexpressed working mouse heart model.

We recently demonstrated that exogenous nitric oxide (NO) acts as a trigger for preconditioning in the isolated rat heart model. There is however little data concerning the effects of elevated cardiac endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression on myocardial tolerance to ischaemia. Similarly, the effects of gender and eNOS overexpression on ischaemic preconditioning is unknown. We hypothesized that: 1) eNOS overexpression increases myocardial tolerance to ischaemia, and, 2) eNOS overexpressed hearts cannot be preconditioned, since the hearts are already maximally protected. Male and female wild-type and transgenic mice that overexpress eNOS exclusively in cardiac myocytes were perfused in the working heart mode with a modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer at a pre-load of 12.5 mm Hg and afterload of 50 mm Hg. Cardiac output, coronary flow, peak aortic systolic pressure and total work were determined before hearts were preconditioned by 4x5 min cycles of ischaemia/reperfusion, and then subjected to 20 min total global ischaemia, followed by reperfusion. Reperfusion function and myocardial infarct size were used as endpoints. Pre-ischaemic mechanical function (rate pressure product and cardiac output) was similar for wild-type and transgenic mice of both sexes. The eNOS overexpressed hearts had smaller infarcts than the hearts from their wild-type littermates (26.9+/-1.4% vs. 37.0+/-2.1% for controls, P<0.05). Preconditioning the eNOS overexpressed hearts resulted in infarct sizes comparable with control non-preconditioned hearts (27.5+/-2.0% vs. 26.9+/-1.4% for controls). Myocardial cGMP levels were elevated during sustained ischaemia in the transgenic hearts when compared with wild-type hearts (22.43+/-1.63 pmol/g ww vs 16.54+/-1.48 pmol/g ww, P<0.05). Preconditioning also elevated myocardial cGMP levels during sustained ischaemia in the wild-type hearts (26.77+/-2.81 pmol/g ww, P<0.05). We conclude that: 1) basal mechanical function is similar for both wild-type and transgenic mice of both sexes, 2) reperfusion function and infarct size was also similar for both sexes under both control conditions and after preconditioning, 3) the transgenic mice are more tolerant of ischaemia as reflected by their smaller myocardial infarcts, and, 4) the eNOS overexpressed mouse heart cannot be preconditioned regardless of whether mechanical function or infarct size is used as an end-point. These hearts may be maximally protected against ischaemia/reperfusion injury by their elevated endogenous NO levels.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Inhibition of myocardial apoptosis by ischaemic and beta-adrenergic preconditioning is dependent on p38 MAPK.

INTRODUCTION: Apoptosis occurring during ischaemia /reperfusion contributes independently to tissue damage, and involves activation of the stress-kinase, p38 MAPK during reperfusion. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) protects against ischaemia/reperfusion mediated necrosis and apoptosis. The role of p38 MAPK in the protective effect of preconditioning against apoptosis is unknown. Pharmacologic preconditioning with isoproterenol (beta-PC) also protects against necrosis, but it is not known whether it protects against apoptosis. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate whether the protective effect of IPC against apoptosis is related to activation of p38 MAPK and whether beta-PC also protects against apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isolated perfused rat hearts were used to study the effect of ischaemia and reperfusion on apoptosis and infarct size. Ischaemic preconditioning was elicited by 3 x 5 min global ischaemia, and beta-PC by 5 min isoproterenol 10(-7) M. For infarct size hearts were subjected to regional ischaemia for 35 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by the tetrazolium staining technique, and expressed as percentage of area at risk. For markers of apoptosis hearts were subjected to global ischaemia of 25 min plus 30 min reperfusion. Apoptosis was determined by Western blot using antibodies against caspase-3 and PARP. p38 MAPK activation was inhibited by SB203580 (1 microM) administration 10 min prior to commencing ischaemia, and bracketing the IPC and beta-PC preconditioning protocols. p38 MAPK was activated by administration of anisomycin (5 microM) 10 min prior to index ischaemia in one protocol, and 10 min during reperfusion in non-preconditioned as well as IPC and beta-PC hearts. Results were analysed using ANOVA and a Newman-Keuls post-hoc test. RESULTS: In the apoptosis model using global ischaemia, IPC and beta-PC both resulted in a significant decrease in p38 MAPK activation at the end of reperfusion when compared to non-preconditioned hearts. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in apoptosis as measured with both caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Inhibiting p38 MAPK by administration of SB203580 10 min prior to ischaemia resulted in a significant reduction in both markers of apoptosis. Bracketing the triggering phase of either IPC or beta-PC with SB203580 resulted in attenuated p38 MAPK activation during reperfusion and did not abolish the protective effect of IPC or beta-PC against apoptosis. Activating p38 MAPK with anisomycin prior to ischaemia resulted in a reduction of markers of apoptosis, whereas activation of p38 MAPK with anisomycin during reperfusion did not exacerbate apoptosis in any groups, exept for an increase in PARP cleavage in IPC hearts. In the model of regional ischaemia, IPC and beta-PC reduced infarct size significantly, and to the same extent as inhibition of p38 MAPK by administration of SB203580 10 min prior to ischaemia. Bracketing the triggering phase of either IPC or beta-PC did not abolish the reduction in infarct size. Activating p38 MAPK during reperfusion was accompanied by an increase in infarct size only in IPC hearts, but not in beta-PC hearts. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that (1) Both IPC and beta-PC elicit protection against apoptosis and necrosis, (2) activation of p38 MAPK is not a trigger of preconditioning against apoptosis and necrosis and (3) activation of p38 MAPK during reperfusion increases necrosis only if ischaemia is used to precondition hearts, but not with pharmacologic preconditioning with isoproterenol.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed2006

Short- and long-term effects of melatonin on myocardial post-ischemic recovery.

Melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. This was attributed to its free radical scavenging and broad-spectrum antioxidant properties. The possibility that melatonin may act via its receptor and intracellular signaling, has not yet been addressed in this regard. In all previous studies, only the acute effects of melatonin on the heart, were evaluated. The aims of the present study were to: (i) compare the acute and long-term effects of melatonin on infarct size and functional recovery of the ischemic heart, and (ii) evaluate the role of the melatonin receptor in cardioprotection. For evaluation of the short-term effects of melatonin on contractile recovery and infarct size, the isolated perfused working rat heart was subjected to 20 min global ischemia or 35 min regional ischemia respectively, and melatonin (25-50 microm) administered either before and during reperfusion, or before ischemia or during reperfusion after ischemia. The melatonin receptor was manipulated using luzindole and N-acetyltryptamine. The long-term effects of melatonin were evaluated 24 hr after melatonin administration (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or after oral administration for 7 days (20 or 40 microg/mL). Infarct size and mechanical recovery during reperfusion of the working heart were used as endpoints. Melatonin (50 microm), when administered either before and during reperfusion after ischemia or during reperfusion only, significantly improved cardiac output and work performance and reduced infarct size compared with untreated controls. Luzindole (5 microm), a melatonin receptor antagonist, abolished these cardioprotective effects. Long-term administration of melatonin (i.p. or orally for 7 days) caused a significant reduction in infarct size of hearts subjected to 35 min regional ischemia. The cardioprotection persisted for 2-4 days after discontinuation of treatment. In summary, the results obtained suggest that melatonin induces short- as well as long-term protection and that the melatonin receptor is also involved in its cardioprotective actions.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Nitric oxide production is higher in rat cardiac microvessel endothelial cells than ventricular cardiomyocytes in baseline and hypoxic conditions: a comparative study.

UNLABELLED: The relative importance of endothelium- and cardiomyocyte-derived nitric oxide (NO) is unknown, with a lack of direct studies on cardiac microvessel endothelial cells (CMEC) and cardiomyocytes regarding relative cellular NO production. AIMS: To assess and compare baseline and hypoxia-induced NO and ONOO- production in cardiomyocytes and CMEC. METHODS: Rat cardiomyocytes were isolated, and cultured rat CMEC were purchased commercially. Hypoxia (+/- NOS inhibitors) was induced by mineral oil layering or hypoxic culture. NO and ONOO- were detected by FACS analysis of DAF-2/DA and DHR123, respectively. Total eNOS was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: 1) Baseline NO production in CMEC was sevenfold (cultured cells) and 26-fold (isolated cells) higher than in cardiomyocytes, 2) eNOS expression was 22-fold higher in CMEC, 3) hypoxia increased NO production in both cell types, albeit to a larger extent in CMEC, 4) in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, nonselective NOS and iNOS-specific inhibition attenuated NO production, whereas in CMEC, iNOS-specific inhibition was ineffective, and 5) baseline ONOO- production was 2.2 times greater in CMEC than in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION: Using a novel approach, this study demonstrated that CMEC produce more baseline NO than cardiomyocytes, and that hypoxia activates NOS to increase NO production in both cell types. Baseline eNOS content was higher in CMEC than in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that differences in baseline NO production were eNOS-associated.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

p38-MAPK and PKB/Akt, possible role players in red palm oil-induced protection of the isolated perfused rat heart?

It has been shown that dietary red palm oil (RPO) supplementation improves reperfusion function. However, no exact protective cellular mechanisms have been established. To determine a potential mechanism for functional improvement, we examined the regulation of both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and PKB/Akt in the presence and absence of dietary RPO supplementation in ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury. Wistar rats were fed a control diet or control diet plus 7 g RPO/kg diet for 6 weeks. Hearts were excised and mounted on an isolated working heart perfusion apparatus. Cardiac function was measured before and after hearts were subjected to 25 min of total global ischemia. Hearts subjected to the same conditions were freeze clamped and used to characterize the degree of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and PKB/Akt. Dietary RPO supplementation significantly improved aortic output recovery (72.1 +/- 3.2% vs. 54.0 +/- 3.2%, P < .05). This improved aortic output recovery was associated with significant increases in p38 and PKB/Akt phosphorylation during reperfusion when compared with control hearts. Furthermore, a significant decrease in JNK phosphorylation and attenuation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage occurred in the RPO-supplemented group during reperfusion. Our results suggest that dietary RPO supplementation caused differential phosphorylation of the MAPKs and PKB/Akt during ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury. These changes in phosphorylation were associated with improved functional recovery and reduced cleavage of an apoptotic marker, arguing that dietary RPO supplementation may confer protection via the MAPK and PKB/Akt signaling pathways during ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Effect of sildenafil on reperfusion function, infarct size, and cyclic nucleotide levels in the isolated rat heart model.

UNLABELLED: We have previously shown that NO-donor induced elevation in myocardial cGMP levels is associated with improved reperfusion function of the isolated rat heart. The phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitor, sildenafil could potentially increase myocardial cGMP levels and thus protect the heart against ischaemic/reperfusion injury. METHODS: To test our hypothesis we treated the isolated working rat heart with vehicle, OR sildenafil (10, 20, 50, 100, 200 nM), OR sildenafil (50 nM) plus a sarcolemmal (HMR 1098) or a mitochondrial (5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD)) K(ATP) channel blocker. Hearts were then subjected to 20 min global, or 35 min regional ischaemia at 37( composite function)C before reperfusion function (aortic output, coronary flow and aortic pressure) and infarct size were documented. Pre-ischaemic, ischaemic and reperfusion myocardial cAMP and cGMP concentrations were determined. RESULTS: Low concentrations of sildenafil (10, 20 and 50 nM) improved reperfusion aortic output (AO) recovery (61.4+/- 4.5%, 64.8 +/- 5.2% and 62.3 +/- 5.0% vs. 45.4 +/- 3.8% for controls (p < 0.05)) and infarct size, while high concentrations (200 nM) worsened AO recovery (24.9 +/- 4.9.0%, p < 0.05). Myocardial cGMP levels of ischaemic tissue were elevated (34.7 +/- 2.4 vs. 27.3 +/- 2.2 pmol/g ww) and cAMP levels were suppressed (0.59 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.87 +/- 0.06 nmol/g ww) in the sildenafil (50 nM) treated hearts. Co-perfusion with sildenafil plus HMR 1098 decreased AO recovery (21.7 +/- 7.6% vs. 62.3 +/- 5.0% for sildenafil alone, p < 0.05) and increased infarct size (29.7 +/- 2.04% vs. 8.6 +/- 2.39% for sildenafil alone, p < 0.05).Similarly, sildenafil plus 5-HD decreased reperfusion AO recovery (44.4 +/- 6.0% vs. 62.3 +/- 5.0% for sildenafil alone, p < 0.05) and increased infarct size (33.8 +/- 1.62% vs. 8.6 +/- 2.39% for sildenafil alone, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Pretreatment with low concentrations of sildenafil (20-50 nM) improves, while higher concentrations (200 nM) worsen reperfusion function in this model. (2) Low concentrations of sildenafil (20-50 nM) decrease infarct size while the higher concentrations had no effect. (3) These protective properties of low concentrations of sildenafil may be related to its cGMP elevating and cAMP suppressing effects in the ischaemic heart. (4) Possible end-effectors for sildenafil in the ischaemic heart include the mitochondrial and sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed2005

H-89, a non-specific inhibitor of protein kinase A, promotes post-ischemic cardiac contractile recovery and reduces infarct size.

Myocardial ischemia is associated with increased production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), with potentially deleterious effects. We hypothesized that the ischemia-induced activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), could beneficially be inhibited by a PKA-inhibitor N-(2-[p-bromocinnamylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H-89). H-89 when given to isolated perfused rat hearts before 30 minutes of global ischemia-reperfusion improved postischemic function and decreased infarct size. In another series, H-89 administered prior to preconditioning by 10 minutes of transient global ischemia decreased PKA activity (measured at the end of the preconditioning protocol) and augmented postischemic mechanical recovery. H-89 given for 5 minutes before the 10 minutes of transient ischemia further decreased infarct size from 13.4 +/- 1.0% (preconditioning alone) to 7.0 +/- 0.93 (P < 0.01). In a third series, forskolin (0.3 muM, 5 minutes, 10 minutes washout prior to ischemia) increased PKA activity and reduced infarct size. Prior H-89 decreased PKA activity after 5 minutes of forskolin and further reduced infarct size versus forskolin alone. In conclusion, three procedures increased postischemic recovery and reduced infarct size: H-89; preconditioning by transient ischemia; or forskolin as a preconditioning-mimetic. PKA-inhibition by H-89 further decreased infarct size beyond preconditioning or forskolin. Despite the reservation that H-89 could be non-selective in its actions, we propose H-89 as a candidate cardioprotective agent.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The temporal relationship between p38 MAPK and HSP27 activation in ischaemic and pharmacological preconditioning.

An ischaemic preconditioning protocol and subsequent sustained ischaemia were characterized by activation and attenuation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, respectively. However, the significance of events downstream of p38 MAPK needs investigation. Therefore the temporal relationship between phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and its downstream substrate HSP27 was studied during either an ischaemic or beta-adrenergic preconditioning protocol and during sustained ischaemia. Isolated rat hearts were preconditioned (with or without a p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580) with 1 x 5 min or 3 x 5 min global ischaemia or 5 min beta-adrenergic stimulation (10(-7) M isoproterenol), followed by 25 min sustained ischaemia and 30 min reperfusion. Hearts were freeze-clamped at different time intervals and fractionated to determine p38 MAPK and HSP27 phosphorylation, via Western blotting. Significant phosphorylation of cytosolic p38 MAPK and membrane (myo-fibrillar) HSP27 occurred at the end of the first preconditioning episode. However, p38 MAPK phosphorylation disappeared during subsequent preconditioning episodes, while HSP27 phosphorylation was maintained for the duration of the protocol. Similar changes in p38 MAPK and HSP27 occurred with 5 min beta-adrenergic preconditioning. After 25 min ischaemia, significant phosphorylation of cytosolic and membrane HSP27 was observed, while p38 MAPK phosphorylation was attenuated in ischaemic and beta-adrenergic preconditioned compared to non-preconditioned hearts. SB203580-induced abolishment of p38 MAPK and HSP27 phosphorylation during the triggering phase of both preconditioning protocols reversed the changes in these parameters seen after sustained ischaemia. The results suggest that p38 MAPK activation triggers HSP27 phosphorylation during both the preconditioning protocols and during sustained ischaemia. Protection of preconditioned hearts during sustained ischaemia was characterized by phosphorylation of both cytosolic and myofibrillar HSP27.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Direct intracellular nitric oxide detection in isolated adult cardiomyocytes: flow cytometric analysis using the fluorescent probe, diaminofluorescein.

UNLABELLED: We assessed the possibility to detect intracellular nitric oxide (NO) with the NO-specific probe 4,5-diaminofluorescein-2/diacetate (DAF-2/DA), by flow cytometry, in fresh adult rat cardiomyocytes, and compared the findings with results obtained from quantitation of cellular nitrate/nitrite (NO(x)) levels. METHODS: Cardiomyocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion, followed by incubation in a Krebs-Henseleit/2% bovine serum albumin buffer in the presence of 10 microM DAF-2/DA (approximately 0.5 x 10(6) cells/ml). Experimental conditions were: (i) baseline control, (ii) NO donor (2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate 2-oxide, DEA/NO) administration, and (iii) 120 min simulated ischemia (hypoxia). In addition, control and hypoxic groups were incubated with the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(W)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Following incubation and washing, intracellular fluorescence of DAF-triazol (DAF-2T, oxidized form of DAF-2/DA) was analyzed by flow cytometry. NO(x) levels were determined with an NO(x) assay. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) data were expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (percentage of control) and NO(x) levels as pmol/10(6) cells. RESULTS: Optimal baseline fluorescence was obtained when myocytes were incubated with DAF-2/DA for 3 h at 37 degrees C. The NO donor DEA/NO (500 microM) and hypoxia significantly increased DAF fluorescence and NO(x) levels. L-NAME addition significantly reversed these trends in the hypoxia groups. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that intracellular NO can be detected in fresh isolated adult cardiomyocytes by flow cytometry with 10 microM DAF-2/DA. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hypoxia is an activator of adult cardiomyocyte NOS, as demonstrated by both end-points. Reproducibility observed between results obtained by FACS analysis and NO(x) assays suggests that DAF-2/DA fluorescence can be regarded as an independent marker for intracellular NO in cardiomyocytes.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Nitric Oxide synthase (NOS) does not contribute to simulated ischaemic preconditioning in an isolated rat cardiomyocyte model.

UNLABELLED: It is widely accepted that nitric oxide (NO) is a trigger and mediator of late ischaemic preconditioning (IP), however its role in classic (protection observed within 2-4 hours after the IP stimulus) IP is less certain. In addition, the contribution of cardiomyocyte nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation to NO production in ischaemia is unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the role of NOS, NO, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cGMP in IP in an isolated cardiomyocyte model. METHODS: Adult rat cardiomyocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion. Hypoxia was induced by covering pelleted cardiomyocytes with mineral oil. The IP protocol was one 10 min hypoxia/20 min reoxygenation cycle, followed by 2 hr sustained hypoxia. Non-IP cells were subjected to 2 hr sustained hypoxia only. The contribution of NO was investigated by NOS inhibition (L-NAME 50 microM) or by pre-treatment of cells with a NO donor (SNP 100 microM), and that of ROS by inclusion of ROS scavengers (MPG and N-acetyl-cysteine) or pre-treatment with H(2)O(2). End-points were cellular cGMP content and cell viability as assessed by trypan blue exclusion (TBE) and cell morphology. RESULTS: IP significantly improved myocyte viability (54% increase in TBE) at the end of sustained hypoxia. Treatment of cells with L-NAME and ROS scavengers during either the IP protocol or during sustained hypoxia had no effect on cell viability after 2 hr hypoxia, whereas viability of non-IP cells treated with L-NAME during sustained hypoxia improved significantly. cGMP levels were reduced in IP cells. Pre-treatment with SNP and H(2)O(2) did not mimic IP. CONCLUSIONS: IP conferred cardioprotection in isolated cardiomyocytes. Protection in this model was not due to activation of cardiomyocyte NOS or ROS production. However, NOS activation induced by sustained hypoxia, appeared to be harmful to non-IP cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

A role for the alpha1-adrenergic signalling pathway in the response of papillary muscles from type 2 diabetic hearts to anoxia-reoxygenation.

Hearts from animal models of type 2 diabetes present with abnormal contractility patterns. The role of altered alpha(1)-adrenergic signalling in this is not understood. In this study we report overexpression and altered regulation of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors in two models of type 2 diabetic rat hearts. In combination with reduced contractile performance, papillary muscles from these hearts presented with an enhanced ability to react to alpha(1)-adrenergic stimulation. Concurrently, these muscles were protected against anoxia/reoxygenation induced damage. This protection could be abolished by pretreatment with the alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin. Overexpression of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors may therefore be a two-edged sword: supplying a contractile reserve that can protect against anoxia/reoxygenation induced effects on inotropic ability on the one hand but also predisposing the hearts to elevated induction of intracellular Ca(2+) release and possible arrhythmic effects on the other hand.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed2002

Nitric oxide triggers classic ischemic preconditioning.

The role of NO in the classic ischemic preconditioning phenomenon of the myocardium is not well defined, and was investigated by using the isolated perfused rat heart as a model. Hearts were preconditioned with 3 x 5 minute ischemia in the presence and absence of the NOS inhibitors L-NAME (50 microM) and L-NNA (50 microM), and the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (20 microM). These inhibitors significantly attenuated the protective effect of preconditioning against 25-min global ischemia (as measured by functional recovery), specifically if administered during the triggering phase. Cyclic infusions (3 x 5 min) of the NO-donors SNAP (50 microM) and SNP (100 microM) elicited protection against both 25-min global or low-flow ischemia. Hearts preconditioned with NO donors displayed significantly superior functional reserve, if stimulated with adrenaline, compared to hearts preconditioned with ischemia. Although the NO donors SNAP and SNP both activated p38 MAPK during the preconditioning protocol, protection was accompanied by significantly decreased p38 MAPK activity during sustained ischemia, as was the case in ischemic preconditioning. We conclude that (1) NO is a trigger for classic preconditioning, (2) cGMP generation plays an important role in its protection, (3) attenuation of p38 MAPK during sustained ischemia accompanies NO preconditioning and may mediate cardiac protection, and (4) preconditioning with NO may be more advantageous than using ischemia.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Manipulation of papillary muscle cyclic nucleotides during anoxia-reoxygenation: effects on contractility.

Endogenous nitric oxide and the accompanying cGMP formation has been postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology of myocardial anoxia-reoxygenation. A direct relationship between cGMP and the alterations observed in contractility under these conditions has never been demonstrated. In this study, cGMP in rat papillary muscles during anoxia and reoxygenation was correlated with mechanical function. Isolated papillary muscles were stimulated continuously and made anoxic for 40 min after a 2-hour stabilisation period. Anoxia caused an abbreviated contraction curve by decreasing the maximum contraction strength, time to peak contraction and relaxation time, accompanied by a significant decrease in tissue cGMP and cAMP levels (controls: 29.09 +/- 1.62 and 568.8 +/- 35.65; anoxia:16.62 +/- 1.51 and 403.3 +/- 30.19 pmoles/gww), which partially returned to pre-anoxic values upon reoxygenation. cGMp levels were significantly elevated by addition of 8-Br-cGMP (a cGMP analogue), but this elevation (154.4 +/- 20.89 pmoles/gww), had no effects on the contractility pattern of muscles during normoxia, anoxia or reoxygenation, suggesting that in isolated ventricular muscle, cGMP levels play a minor role in regulating muscle contractility.

Animals↗