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Biomedical subjects

D J Hearse

Publications and source records attributed to D J Hearse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Attenuation of trace element-mediated injury during ischemia and reperfusion by an N-terminus analogue of human albumin (H4DUS60131).

The N-terminus region of human albumin binds strongly to trace metals (Co, Cu, Ni). Ischemia, acidosis and reperfusion can cause a marked increase in plasma free Cu and its normal regulation by plasma proteins may be overwhelmed and predispose to oxidative injury by Cu-catalyzed oxyradical production. H4DUS60131 is an analogue of the N-terminus of human albumin, it binds copper tightly and in vitro, is a potent inhibitor of Cu-catalyzed radical formation. We have tested the ability of H4DUS60131 to reduce injury during ischemia and reperfusion in isolated blood-perfused rat hearts (n = 6/group) subjected to 20-min aerobic perfusion, followed by a 2-min infusion of saline or saline plus H4DUS60131. Following infusion, hearts were subjected to 30-min global ischemia plus 40-min reperfusion. The 2-min infusion was repeated in both groups at the start of reperfusion. In the vehicle controls, left ventricular developed pressure recovered to only 15.3 +/- 3.2%, whereas the H4DUS60131 group recovered to 50.5 +/- 9.3% (p < 0.005). The H4DUS60131 group normalised their left ventricular end diastolic pressure more quickly and completely than the controls (44.1 +/- 11.5 vs. 91.5 +/- 5.5 mm Hg). In conclusion, H4DUS60131 greatly improves the recovery of the rat heart from ischemia and reperfusion and may represent a novel approach to the limitation of myocardial injury.

Animals↗

Lipid hydroperoxide modification of proteins during myocardial ischaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) are lipid peroxidation products formed during oxidative stress. A component of their cytotoxicity is mediated by the direct modification of proteins. OBJECTIVES: (i) To assess whether ischaemia and reperfusion in the isolated rat heart generates LOOH-protein (ii) to characterise the extent, time-course and subcellular localization of any protein adducts formed. METHODS: Using a well-characterised antibody which binds to LOOH-modified proteins and densitometry of Western blots, we quantified the amounts of LOOH-protein in control aerobically perfused rat hearts and those subjected to ischaemia with and without reperfusion. RESULTS: Hearts (n=3/4 group), analysed after various periods (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min) of zero-flow global ischaemia, exhibited a time-dependent increase in the LOOH-mediated modification of a number of proteins. In hearts subjected to 30 min of ischaemia and then reperfused for various times (0, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 min) no changes in LOOH-protein content achieved during the proceeding ischaemic episode were detected. Reperfusion after short periods of ischaemia (5 or 10 min) also did not result in reperfusion-induced LOOH-protein formation. Administration of mercaptopropionylglycine (1 mM) to hearts for 5 min before the onset of 30 min ischaemia efficiently attenuated the formation of LOOH-protein, maintaining the modified proteins at control levels. These Western immunoblot results were confirmed by additional in situ immunofluorescent studies which showed marked LOOH-protein immunostaining in ischaemic tissue around the sarcolemmal membrane. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the modification of proteins (particularly those associated with sarcolemmal membranes) by LOOH during ischaemia may contribute to the pathophysiology of ischaemic injury. In addition, these modifications may be initiators of oxidant-induced signal transduction pathways. These findings are consistent with an oxidant stress occurring during ischaemia which is not exacerbated or reduced during the first 60 min of reperfusion.

Animals↗

Ischemic preconditioning: a potential role for constitutive low molecular weight stress protein translocation and phosphorylation?

We have investigated whether translocation of constitutive low molecular weight stress proteins (alphaB-crystallin and HSP27) to the myofilament/cytoskeletal compartment occurs during ischemic preconditioning and assessed if this is causally associated with cardioprotection. Triton-insoluble preparations from fresh or aerobically perfused rat hearts (n=4/group) contained relatively little alphaB-crystallin (96 +/- 43 and 43 +/- 36 units respectively) or HSP27 (177 +/- 32 and 101 +/- 26 units respectively). Three preconditioning cycles of (5 min ischemia + 5 min reperfusion) increased the Triton-insoluble crystallin to 864 +/- 61 units (P<0.05) and HSP27 to 1353 +/- 53 units (P<0.05). Two hours of aerobic perfusion following the preconditioning protocol resulted the return of alphaB-crystallin and HSP27 to near control levels (189 +/- 14 units and 252 +/- 24 units, respectively). Stress protein translocation, comparable to that achieved by the IPC protocol was induced by aerobic perfusion with hypercarbic (pH 6.8) perfusion. Thus, three cycles of 5 min hypercarbia + 5 min normocarbia increased alphaB-crystallin to 628 +/- 30 units (P<0.05) and HSP27 to 1353 +/- 53 units. In parallel functional studies, the recovery of LVDP after 35 min ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion was 43 +/- 7% in the ischemic control group, 61 +/- 3% (P<0.05) in the preconditioned group and 42 +/- 6% in the hypercarbic group. Thus, translocation of alphaB-crystallin and/or is not of-itself sufficient to induce cardioprotection. Using a phospho-specific antibody, we have demonstrated that preconditioning not only translocates alphaB-crystallin but also increases its phosphorylation at Ser-59 by 9.7-fold compared to aerobic controls (1616 +/- 402 v 166 +/- 28 units respectively). In contrast, hypercarbia while eliciting a comparable translocation, failed to alter the phosphorylation state of alphaB-crystallin. Preconditioning-induced phosphorylation was significantly attenuated by 50 microM genistein (by 61%), 10 microM SB203580 (by 91%) and 10 microM bisindolylmaleimide (by 68%), but not by 10 microM PD98059 (by 4%). Our findings are consistent with the possibility that ischemic preconditioning may be mediated by phosphorylation and translocation of constitutive low molecular weight stress proteins, particularly alphaB-crystallin.

Animals↗

Experimental models for the study of cardiovascular function and disease.

In the study of cardiovascular biology, both under conditions of health and disease, the investigator enjoys the availability of a vast range of experimental models ranging from man to a single molecule and beyond. There is also a vast spectrum of measurable indices of function and injury. This is particularly so in the case of myocardial ischemia, a disease which still contributes to the majority of deaths in the Western Hemisphere. Each experimental model, each species and each end-point has its own inherent advantages and disadvantages and appreciating these will help the investigator select the most appropriate study system for the particular question under investigation. This article endeavours to identify some of these strengths and weaknesses and reveals the frequently encountered paradox that the greater the amount and reproducibility of data the further removed is the model from clinical reality. Fortunately, however, an appreciation of this 'weakness' can often be exploited for the advancement of knowledge.

Animals↗

The isolated blood and perfusion fluid perfused heart.

The isolated heart is deservedly one of the most popular experimental models in cardiovascular research, both in terms of cost and the quality and quantity of data it provides. However, it is a deceptively simple model, capable of throwing many problems in the path of the inexperienced or unwary perfuser. The following article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of isolated heart perfusion (Langendorff and working; blood and buffer perfused). We attempt to give an insight into the many factors which must be taken into consideration when first establishing these preparations, we identify the range of indices that can be measured and the potential pitfalls which, with a little care, can be readily avoided.

Animals↗

Regulation of sarcolemmal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity by angiotensin II in adult rat ventricular myocytes: opposing actions via AT(1) versus AT(2) receptors.

Increased sarcolemmal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity has been implicated as a mediator of the cardiac actions of angiotensin II. We studied the receptor subtypes and signaling pathways involved in the regulation of sarcolemmal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity by angiotensin II in adult rat ventricular myocytes. Cells were loaded with the pH-sensitive fluoroprobe carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor-1, and acid efflux rates estimated during recovery from intracellular acidosis were used to quantify exchanger activity. Sarcolemmal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity was not affected by angiotensin II alone but was increased by angiotensin II plus PD123319 (AT(2) antagonist). In contrast, angiotensin II plus losartan (AT(1) antagonist) or CGP42112A (AT(2) agonist) did not affect exchanger activity. The increase in Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity induced by angiotensin II plus PD123319 was blocked by losartan, PD98059 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor), GF109203X (protein kinase C inhibitor), and tyrphostin AG1478 (epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and activity, measured by immunoblot analysis and an immune-complex kinase assay, respectively, were increased significantly by angiotensin II plus PD123319; these increases were blocked by losartan and PD98059. The increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation induced by angiotensin II plus PD123319 was blocked also by GF109203X and tyrphostin AG1478. These data show that AT(1) stimulation increases sarcolemmal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in adult rat ventricular myocytes and that this response requires extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation through a protein kinase C- and epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated mechanism. The positive effect of AT(1) stimulation on Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity is counteracted by simultaneous AT(2) stimulation through a mechanism that does not involve direct inhibition of the exchanger or attenuation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation.

Angiotensin II↗

Cardioprotection: intermittent ventricular fibrillation and rapid pacing can induce preconditioning in the blood-perfused rat heart.

The aim of the study was to use the isolated blood-perfused rat heart to: (i) determine whether brief intermittent rapid pacing and ventricular fibrillation are able to mimic preconditioning by ischemia and thereby protect the isolated blood-perfused heart against ischemia-induced injury and (ii) characterize the effects of these interventions on cardiac metabolism. To this end, isolated, blood-perfused (2.4 ml/min), paced (360 beats/min) rat hearts (n = 6/group), were aerobically perfused for 20 min. Hearts were then randomized to four groups: (i) a further 16 min aerobic perfusion (UC, untreated controls), (ii) ischemic preconditioning (IP, 3 min ischemia + 3 min reperfusion followed by 5 min ischemia + 5 min reperfusion), (iii) electrically induced ventricular fibrillation (VF, 3 min fibrillation + 3 min sinus rhythm followed by 5 min fibrillation + 5 min sinus rhythm) and (iv) rapid pacing at > or = 600 beats/min (RP, 3 min rapid pacing + 3 min normal heart rate followed by 5 min rapid pacing + 5 min normal heart rate). Hearts were then subjected to 35 min of zero-flow, global ischemia (37 degrees C) and 40 min reperfusion. In parallel studies, blood samples were collected during the first 3 min of treatment and plasma taken for the analysis of noradrenaline. The hearts were then immediately frozen and assayed for high energy phosphates and noradrenaline content. Time-to-50% contracture during ischemia was 13.2 +/- 0.8 min in controls; this was reduced to 6.3 +/- 1.1 min by IP but was unaffected by VF or RP (12.4 +/- 1.1 and 12.8 +/- 1.2 min respectively). Post-ischemic left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in untreated controls recovered to only 19.9 +/- 8.4% of its pre-ischemic value whereas with IP, VF and RP substantial and similar improvements were observed (60.3 +/- 7.4, 56.2 +/- 5.7 and 45.3 +/- 10.3%, respectively, P < 0.01). This protection was achieved without any significant depletion of high energy phosphates during VF or RP. Noradrenaline was essentially unchanged in controls and with RP, but VF caused a loss from tissue and a large elevation in the plasma. Our results suggest that both RP and VF are as effective as brief ischemia in protecting the heart against injury during ischemia and reperfusion. In contrast to IP, this protection can be achieved without the exacerbation of ischemic contracture and without inducing ischemia during the preconditioning period.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Developments in cardioprotection: "polarized" arrest as an alternative to "depolarized" arrest.

During cardiac surgery or cardiac transplantation, the heart is subjected to varying periods of global ischemia. The heart must be protected during this ischemic period to avoid additional injury, and techniques have been developed that delay ischemic injury and minimize reperfusion injury. Almost universally, this involves using a hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution and these solutions have become the gold standard for myocardial protection for more than 20 years. Despite the extensive and continued research aimed at improving these basic hyperkalemic cardioplegic solutions, patients undergoing surgery almost invariably experience some degree of postoperative dysfunction. It is likely that this relates to the depolarizing nature of hyperkalemic solutions, which results in ionic imbalance caused by continuing transmembrane fluxes and the consequent maintenance of high energy phosphate metabolism, even during hypothermic ischemia. A potentially beneficial alternative to hyperkalemic cardioplegia is to arrest the heart in a "hyperpolarized" or "polarized" state, which maintains the membrane potential of the arrested myocardium at or near to the resting membrane potential. At these potentials, transmembrane fluxes will be minimized and there should be little metabolic demand, resulting in improved myocardial protection. Recent studies have explored these alternative concepts for myocardial protection. The use of compounds such as adenosine or potassium channel openers, which are thought to induce hyperpolarized arrest, have demonstrated improved protection after normothermic, or short periods of hypothermic, ischemia when compared to hyperkalemic (depolarized) arrest. Similarly, studies from our own laboratory, in which the sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin, was used to induce polarized arrest (demonstrated by direct measurement of membrane potential during ischemia) was also shown to provide better recovery of function after 5 hours of long-term hypothermic (7.5 degrees C) storage. These promising initial studies need to be consolidated before experimental promise becomes clinical reality.

Adenosine↗

Formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified proteins in ischemic rat heart.

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a major lipid peroxidation product formed during oxidative stress. Because of its reactivity with nucleophilic compounds, particularly metabolites and proteins containing thiol groups, HNE is cytotoxic. The aim of this study was to assess the extent and time course for the formation of HNE-modified proteins during ischemia and ischemia plus reperfusion in isolated rat hearts. With an antibody to HNE-Cys/His/Lys and densitometry of Western blots, we quantified the amount of HNE-protein adduct in the heart. By taking biopsies from single hearts (n = 5) at various times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 35, and 40 min) after onset of zero-flow global ischemia, we showed a progressive, time-dependent increase (which peaked after 30 min) in HNE-mediated modification of a discrete number of proteins. In studies with individual hearts (n = 4/group), control aerobic perfusion (70 min) resulted in a very low level (296 arbitrary units) of HNE-protein adduct formation; by contrast, after 30-min ischemia HNE-adduct content increased by >50-fold (15,356 units, P < 0.05). In other studies (n = 4/group), administration of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine (MPG, 1 mM) to the heart for 5 min immediately before 30-min ischemia reduced HNE-protein adduct formation during ischemia by approximately 75%. In studies (n = 4/group) that included reperfusion of hearts after 5, 10, 15, or 30 min of ischemia, there was no further increase in the extent of HNE-protein adduct formation over that seen with ischemia alone. Similarly, in experiments with MPG, reperfusion did not significantly influence the tissue content of HNE-protein adduct. Western immunoblot results were confirmed in studies using in situ immunofluorescent localization of HNE-protein in cryosections. In conclusion, ischemia causes a major increase in HNE-protein adduct that would be expected to reflect a toxic sequence of events that might act to compromise tissue survival during ischemia and recovery on reperfusion.

Aldehydes↗

Catecholamines and preconditioning: studies of contraction and function in isolated rat hearts.

The aims of this study were to determine whether 1) like ischemic preconditioning, transient exposure to norepinephrine before ischemia exacerbates contracture during ischemia and 2) protection afforded by norepinephrine is stereospecific (receptor mediated). Isolated perfused rat hearts were randomized into five groups (n = 6/group): 1) ischemic preconditioning (3 min of ischemia + 3 min of reperfusion + 5 min of ischemia + 5 min of reperfusion), 2) untreated control, 3) vehicle control (ascorbic acid), 4) substitution of preconditioning ischemia by perfusion with d-norepinephrine, and 5) substitution of preconditioning ischemia by perfusion with l-norepinephrine. This was followed by 40 min of zero-flow ischemia and 50 min of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning and l-norepinephrine exacerbated contracture (time to 50% contracture = 9.2 +/- 1.1 and 9.0 +/- 1.1 vs. 13.3 +/- 0.3, 12.4 +/- 0.5, and 13.2 +/- 0.4 min for untreated control, vehicle control, and d-norepinephrine, respectively, P < 0.05). Postischemic left ventricular developed pressure was poor in untreated control (23.0 +/- 2.2%), vehicle control (26.9 +/- 2.3%), and d-norepinephrine (19.8 +/- 2.8%) groups but good in preconditioned (52.4 +/- 5.1%) and l-norepinephrine (52.5 +/- 1.1%) groups (P < 0. 05). Thus norepinephrine preconditioning, like ischemic preconditioning, causes a paradoxical exacerbation of contracture coupled with enhanced postischemic recovery; both effects are stereospecific.

Animals↗

Diacylglycerol-induced protection against injury during ischemia and reperfusion in the rat heart: comparative studies with ischemic preconditioning.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) activation in ischemic preconditioning remains controversial. Since diacylglycerol is the endogenous activator of PKC and as such might be expected cardioprotective, we have investigated whether: (i) the diacylglycerol analog 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG) can protect against injury during ischemia and reperfusion; (ii) any effect is mediated via PKC activation; and (iii) the outcome is influenced by the time of administration. Isolated rat hearts were perfused with buffer at 37 degrees C and paced at 400 bpm. In Study 1, hearts (n=6/group) were subjected to one of the following: (1) 36 min aerobic perfusion (controls); (2) 20 min aerobic perfusion plus ischemic preconditioning (3 min ischemia/3 min reperfusion+5 min ischemia/5 min reperfusion); (3) aerobic perfusion with buffer containing DOG (10 microM) given as a substitute for ischemic preconditioning; (4) aerobic perfusion with DOG (10 microM) during the last 2 min of aerobic perfusion. All hearts then were subjected to 35 min of global ischemia and 40 min reperfusion. A further group (5) were perfused with DOG (10 microM) for the first 2 min of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning improved postischemic recovery of LVDP from 24+/-3% in controls to 71+/-2% (P < 0.05). Recovery of LVDP also was enhanced by DOG when given just before ischemia (54+/-4%), however, DOG had no effect on the recovery of LVDP when used as a substitute for ischemic preconditioning (22+/-5%) or when given during reperfusion (29+/-6%). In Study 2, the first four groups of study were repeated (n=4-5/group) without imposing the periods of ischemia and reperfusion, instead hearts were taken for the measurement of PKC activity (pmol/min/mg protein+/-SEM). PKC activity after 36 min in groups (1), (2), (3) and (4) was: 332+/-102, 299+/-63, 521+/-144, and 340+/-113 and the membrane:cytosolic PKC activity ratio was: 5.6+/-1.5, 5.3+/-1.8, 6.6+/-2.7, and 3.9+/-2.1 (P=NS in each instance). In conclusion, DOG is cardioprotective but under the conditions of the present study is less cardioprotective than ischemic preconditioning, furthermore the protection does not appear to necessitate PKC activation prior to ischemia.

Animals↗

Developmental differences in superoxide production in isolated guinea-pig hearts during reperfusion.

The production of free radicals on reperfusion has been implicated as an important factor governing post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function. Although the response of the heart to ischemia and reperfusion is known to change during cardiac development, it is not known if different rates of free radical production play a role in these altered responses. The aim of this investigation was to determine if the production of the superoxide anion (O2-) on reperfusion differs in the immature and mature heart. Immature hearts, obtained from 3-day premature guinea pigs (delivered by cesarean section) were compared with those from adults (7 weeks old). Using the isolated Langendorff preparation. O2- production was measured during reperfusion following ischemic durations [0 (aerobic control), 15, 20, 30, and 60 min, n = 6/group] by the reduction of succinylated ferricytochrome c in the perfusate. Both immature and mature hearts exhibited bell-shaped relationship between ischemic duration and peak O2- production on reperfusion: (13.4 +/- 5.9; 22.2 +/- 5.4; 23.0 +/- 7.8; 59.3 +/- 16.2; 33.7 +/- 15.1; 32.6 +/- 8.5 nmol/min/g wet weight in the immature heart and 15.7 +/- 1.9; 55.0 +/- 30.2; 82.8 +/- 14.0; 78.8 +/- 33.8; 40.6 +/- 16.4; 45.4 +/- 13.1 nmol/min/g wet weight in the mature heart after 0; 15; 20; 30; 45 and 60 min of ischemia, respectively). A similar relationship was also demonstrated with O2- production over the 20-min reperfusion period: (134.0 +/- 57.1; 106.5 +/- 46.2; 199.3 +/- 50.6; 362.0 +/- 99.5; 375.0 +/- 60.9; 221.0 +/- 73.0 nmol/20 min/g wet weight in the immature heart and 97.8 +/- 54; 282.0 +/- 139.0; 933.3 +/- 210.3; 964.0 +/- 374.0; 443.0 +/- 106.0; 352.0 +/- 1551.0 nmol/20 min/g wet weight in the mature heart after 0, 15, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min of ischemia, respectively). Mature hearts consistently produced more O2- than immature hearts on reperfusion, while there was no significant difference in their capacity to produce O2- during aerobic perfusion. We conclude that the immature heart may be at less risk from the free radical component of reperfusion injury than the mature heart.

Age Factors↗

Hypothermic preservation of isolated rat lungs in modified bicarbonate buffer, EuroCollins solution or St Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution.

OBJECTIVES: Inadequate preservation solutions limit lung storage times and, consequently, transplant programs. To address this problem we established an isolated, ventilated and perfused rat lung preparation. Here we report the effects of hypothermic storage in EuroCollins solution, St Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution and a modified bicarbonate buffer solution. METHODS: Lungs from male Wistar rats (230-330 g) were perfused via the pulmonary artery with modified bicarbonate buffer (37 degrees C, 15 ml/min, constant flow) and ventilated by positive pressure (tidal volume:1.6-1.8 ml, 80 breaths/min). Vascular resistance (pulmonary artery pressure:perfusate flow ratio) and airways compliance (tidal volume:tracheal pressure ratio) were measured. After a control perfusion period (20 min), lungs were flushed with, then immersed in, bicarbonate buffer (4 degrees C) for varying periods (0-24 h). After storage, lung function was assessed during 20 min reperfusion. Having established a suitable period for study, storage in EuroCollins, St Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution or bicarbonate buffer were compared. RESULTS: Pulmonary compliance (ml/cmH2O) was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in lungs stored for 6 h in modified bicarbonate buffer (0.026 +/- 0.008), EuroCollins solution (0.013 +/- 0.002) or St Thomas' Hospital solution (0.025 +/- 0.005) compared to unstored lungs (0.068 +/- 0.007). Vascular resistance, (1.32 +/- 0.13 cmH2O/ml per min) in unstored lungs, was similar in lungs stored in St Thomas' Hospital solution but increased significantly in lungs stored in modified bicarbonate buffer (3.22 +/- 0.78 cmH2O/ml per min) or EuroCollins solution (4.66 +/- 0.57 cmH2O/ml per min). CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermic storage of rat lungs for 6 h in modified bicarbonate buffer or St Thomas' Hospital solution causes less increase in vascular resistance on reperfusion than EuroCollins solution.

Animals↗

Myocardial protection during ischemia and reperfusion.

The objectives of this article are to: (i) discuss the origins and the nature of ischemic injury, (ii) identify factors influencing the evolution of injury, (iii) consider various cellular targets for ischemic injury, (iv) assess the overall importance of 'reperfusion injury', (v) discuss conceptual approaches to cardioprotection and (vi) to identify new ideas and approaches in the realm of myocardial protection. In the human heart, myocardial ischemia may take many forms, it may exist for periods as short as a few seconds or minutes, it may last for hours or it may persist for years. In terms of discussing interventions to combat myocardial ischemia, this article will focus on: (i) regional ischemia as occurs during evolving myocardial infarction and (ii) whole heart or global ischemia as occurs during cardiac surgery and transplantation.

Animals↗

Na+/H+ exchanger activity does not contribute to protection by ischemic preconditioning in the isolated rat heart.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that pharmacological inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) is cardioprotective, activation of NHE has been proposed as a protective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning (PC). METHODS AND RESULTS: In isolated rat ventricular myocytes (n=8 to 11 per group) loaded with the fluorescent pH indicator C-SNARF-1, we showed that HOE-642 (HOE) was a potent inhibitor of the sarcolemmal NHE (80% inhibition at 1 micromol/L); such inhibition was readily reversible by washout of the drug. We confirmed that 1 micromol/L HOE produces significant and reversible inhibition of NHE activity in isolated rat hearts as well (n=4), and in this model, we tested (n=8 per group) whether the presence of the drug during (1) the prolonged period of ischemia (40 or 60 minutes) or (2) the preceding brief periods of PC ischemia (3 minutes plus 5 minutes) modulates the protective efficacy of PC. In protocol 1, HOE was infused for 5 minutes immediately before the prolonged ischemic period. With 40 minutes of prolonged ischemia, the postischemic recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) was 15+/-2% in controls and was improved to 45+/-7% with HOE (P<.05), 55+/-5% with PC (P<.05), and 68+/-2% with PC+HOE (P<.05 versus all groups). When the prolonged ischemic period was extended to 60 minutes, an additive effect of PC and HOE was readily apparent and LVDP recovery with PC+HOE (66+/-2%) was almost double that observed with HOE (37+/-4%) or PC (34+/-5%) alone (P<.05). In protocol 2, HOE was infused for 3 minutes immediately before each episode of PC ischemia and was subsequently washed out before a 40-minute prolonged ischemic period (HOE+PC). LVDP recovery was 34+/-4% in controls and was improved to 57+/-2% with PC (P<.05) and 55+/-3% with HOE+PC (P<.05). Improved recovery of LVDP was matched by reduced creatine kinase leakage in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Because coadministration of HOE (at a concentration sufficient to inhibit NHE activity) did not reduce the efficacy of PC in either protocol, we conclude that NHE activity does not contribute to the cardioprotective actions of PC. On the contrary, NHE inhibition during the prolonged ischemic period may enhance the protection afforded by PC.

Animals↗

Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor HOE-642 improves cardioplegic myocardial preservation under both normothermic and hypothermic conditions.

BACKGROUND: The sarcolemmal Na+/H+ exchanger has been implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury during ischemia/reperfusion. We determined the cardioprotective efficacy of the Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor HOE-642 (HOE) as an alternative, adjunct, or additive to cardioplegia (CP). METHODS AND RESULTS: In isolated working rat hearts (n=6 per group) subjected to 25 minutes of ischemia at 37 degrees C, the postischemic recovery of aortic flow (AF) was 5+/-3% in controls; this was improved to 18+/-4% by the preischemic infusion of 1 micromol/L HOE (P<.05 versus control) and to 53+/-7% by CP (P<.05 versus control and HOE). In hearts subjected to CP and 35 minutes of ischemia at 37 degrees C, AF recovered to 9+/-3% with CP alone; this was improved to 18+/-3% by the adjunctive administration of HOE during early reperfusion (CP+repHOE, P<.05 versus CP) and to 27+/-4% by the use of HOE as an additive to CP (CP+HOE, P<.05 versus CP and CP+repHOE). With 120 minutes of ischemia at 28 degrees C, AF recoveries were 16+/-3% in CP, 32+/-3% in CP+repHOE (P<.05 versus CP) and to 50+/-4% in CP+HOE (P<.05 versus CP and CP+repHOE). With 300 minutes of ischemia at 7.5 degrees C, the corresponding values were 30+/-4% 45+/-5% (P<.05 versus CP), and 63+/-5% (P<.05 versus CP and CP+repHOE). Improved recovery of pump function was often accompanied by a reduction in creatine kinase leakage during reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: (i) HOE alone affords significant protection at normothermia but is not a superior alternative to CP, and (ii) the use of HOE as an adjunct or additive to CP provides significant benefit at normothermia, moderate hypothermia, and severe hypothermia.

Animals↗