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Biomedical subjects

E Condorelli

Publications and source records attributed to E Condorelli.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effect of prolonged treatment with propionyl-L-carnitine on erucic acid-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of propionyl-L-carnitine to prevent cardiac damage induced by erucic acid. Rats were fed for 10 days with normal or 10% erucic acid-enriched diets with or without propionyl-L-carnitine intraperitoneally injected, (1 mM/kg daily, for 10 days). The erucic acid diet produced increases in triglycerides (from 5.6 to 12.4 mg/gww, P less than 0.01), and free fatty acids (from 2.0 to 5.1 mg/gww, P less than 0.01), but no changes in phospholipids. When the hearts were perfused aerobically with an isovolumic preparation there was no difference in mechanical activity. On the contrary, when pressure-volume curves were determined, the pressure developed by hearts from the erucic acid-treated rats were reduced. Independent of diet, propionyl-L-carnitine treatment always produced positive inotropy. This was concomitant with improved mitochondrial respiration (RCI 5.1 vs 9.3, P less than 0.01), higher tissue ATP content (10.3 vs 18.4 mumol/gdw P less than 0.01) and reduction of triglycerides (12.4 vs 8.0 mg/gww, P less than 0.01). These data suggest that propionyl-L-carnitine, when given chronically, is able to prevent erucic acid-induced cardiotoxicity, probably by reducing triglyceride accumulation and improving energy metabolism.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1992

Role of timing of administration in the cardioprotective effect of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate.

We administered fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FDP), 1 mM, to isolated and perfused rabbit hearts submitted, after 90 minutes of equilibration, to an ischemic period (60 minutes at a coronary flow of 0.17 ml/min/g), followed by a period of reperfusion (30 minutes at a coronary flow of 3.6 ml/min/g). FDP was delivered at different times following the experimental protocol: 60 minutes before ischemia and for the entire experiment; 60 minutes before and during ischemia, but not at reperfusion; at the onset of ischemia and during reperfusion; and only during reperfusion. The FDP cardioprotective effect was evaluated in terms of recovery of left ventricular pressure developed during reperfusion, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and noradrenaline release, mitochondrial function (expressed as yield, RCI, QO2, ADP/O), ATP and creatine phosphate (CP) tissue contents, calcium homeostasis, and by measuring oxidative stress in terms of reduced and oxidized glutathione release and tissue contents. Our data show that the cytoprotective action of FDP is closely related to the time of administration. Optimal myocardial preservation was achieved when it was present prior to ischemia and during reperfusion. When given at the time of ischemia or only on reperfusion, FDP does not exert cardioprotection. The data suggest that the FDP cardioprotective effect is related to improvement of energy metabolism.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1992

Lipid peroxidation during myocardial reperfusion.

Reperfusion of heart muscle after prolonged ischaemia is associated with metabolic and functional abnormalities and eventual cell death. Free radical induced lipid peroxidation of cell membranes is thought to be a major mechanism in the evolution of reperfusion damage. The evidences in support for this kind of damage are based on tissue malondialdehyde quantitation by the thiobarbituric acid test (TBA-test). In an attempt to verify this topic we have subjected isolated and Langendorff perfused rabbit hearts to a period of 60 minutes of severe ischaemia plus 30 minutes of reperfusion. At appropriate time points malondialdehyde was determined in the tissue by means of TBA-test and directly by reversed phase, high pressure, liquid chromatography (HPLC). We have found no correlation between the two compared assays. During reperfusion, there was the formation of non-lipid related, malondialdehyde-like, TBA-reactive substance which leads to overestimations of the extent of lipid peroxidation. On the contrary, by direct HPLC quantitation, there was a decrease of tissue malondialdehyde during ischaemia and during the early phases of reperfusion. Our results demonstrate that TBA-test is not a reliable index of malondialdehyde accumulation in organ system.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Role of timing of administration in the cardioprotective effect of iloprost, a stable prostacyclin mimetic.

We administered iloprost, a stable prostacyclin mimetic, 27 nM, to isolated and perfused rabbit hearts submitted, after 60 min of equilibration, to an ischaemic period (60 min at a coronary flow of 1 ml/min) followed by a period of reperfusion (30 min at a coronary flow of 25 ml/min). Iloprost was delivered at different times during the experimental protocol: 60 min before ischaemia, at the onset and after 30 min of ischaemia and only during reperfusion. The iloprost cardioprotective effect was evaluated in terms of recovery of left ventricular pressure developed during reperfusion, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and noradrenaline release, mitochondrial function (expressed as yield, RCI (respiratory control index), QO2, ADP/O), ATP and creatine phosphate (CP) tissue contents, calcium homeostasis and by measuring several parameters of oxidative stress: reduced and oxidized glutathione release and tissue contents, Mn and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activities; glutathione reductase and peroxidase activities. Our data show that the cytoprotective action of iloprost is closely related to the time of administration. Optimal myocardial preservation was achieved when it was given before or at the onset of ischaemia. Iloprost administration 30 min after the onset of ischaemia was still beneficial, although to a lesser extent. Iloprost lost its protective effect when given only on reperfusion. The data suggest that the iloprost cardioprotective effect is related to maintainance of membrane integrity.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on mechanical function of isolated rabbit heart.

We studied the acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) on mechanical function of isolated rabbit heart. Propionyl-L-carnitine was either directly delivered in the perfusate (10(-9) to 10(-3) M) or intraperitoneally injected (250 mg/kg) for 10 days to the animals. When added acutely, propionyl-L-carnitine had no effect on inotropism, heart rate, or coronary perfusion pressure. When added chronically, propionyl-L-carnitine induced a positive inotropic effect, with no changes in heart rate or in coronary perfusion pressure, and it ameliorated the pressure-volume relationship. This effect of propionyl-L-carnitine was independent of the calcium concentration of the perfusion medium, but it was correlated with an increase in the myocardial content of propionyl-L-carnitine. The effect was not apparent after 5 days of treatment, although the tissue content of propionyl-L-carnitine remained unchanged. These data suggest that propionyl-L-carnitine, when given chronically, exerts a positive inotropic effect.

Acetylcarnitine↗
PubMed1991

Evaluation of phospholipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Peroxidation of membrane phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids is considered a major mechanism of the damage occurring on reperfusion of the myocardium after a prolonged period of ischemia. The evidence in support of this mechanism of damage is based on tissue malondialdehyde quantitation by the thiobarbituric acid test (TBA test). In an attempt to verify this topic, we have subjected isolated and Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts to a period of 60 min of severe ischemia plus 30 min of reperfusion. At appropriate time points, malondialdehyde was determined in the tissue by means of TBA test and directly by reversed-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). We have found no correlation between the two compared assays. During reperfusion, there was the formation of non-lipid-related, malondialdehyde-like, TBA-reactive substance that leads to overestimation of the extent of lipid peroxidation. On the contrary, by direct HPLC quantitation, there was a decrease of tissue malondialdehyde during ischemia and during the early phases of reperfusion. Our results demonstrate that TBA test is not a reliable index of lipid peroxidation in organ systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Beta 1- and beta 2-receptors are differentially desensitized in an experimental model of heart failure.

Recent reports suggested that a complex alteration in beta-receptor function occurs in failing human myocardium. We evaluated beta-receptor-subtype activity in an experimental model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced cardiomyopathy in the rat. Through pulmonary hypertension, MCT causes right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), either associated with heart failure or not, beta-Receptor function was evaluated in both failing-hypertrophic and hypertrophic hearts in binding studies with [125I]iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) and by measuring adenylate cyclase (AC) activity. In the right failing ventricle, beta 1- but not beta 2-receptor density was decreased. Lesion-associated modifications in the adenylate cyclase system were also observed: isoproterenol- and guanosine 5' [beta, gamma-imido]triphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]-stimulated cyclic AMP formation was reduced in the right failing ventricle, while the cyclic AMP responses to NaF and forskolin were unchanged. On the other hand, no changes in either beta-receptor density or function were found in hypertrophic ventricles. MCT-induced heart failure in the rat is thus associated with a selective decrease of beta 1-receptor density and function. These results suggest that MCT-induced cardiac failure may be an appropriate model in which to investigate heart insufficiency further.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1990

[The adrenergic beta system in an experimental model of heart failure].

Reports in the literature have suggested that a complex alteration in beta-receptor pathway takes place in failing human myocardium. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the beta-adrenergic receptor system in an experimental model of heart failure induced by monocrotaline in rats. Monocrotaline, administered with a single intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/Kg), causes pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy, associated with congestive heart failure. beta 1 and beta 2-receptors were characterized in the right ventricle by direct radioligand binding utilizing [125I] Iodocyanopindolol and selective beta 1-(CGP 20712A) and beta 2-(ICI 118551) antagonists. Adenylate cyclase was measured in basal condition and in the presence of different stimulators as isoproterenol with ICI 118551 (beta 1-receptor-stimulated activity), isoproterenol with CGP 20712A (beta 2-receptor-stimulated activity), Gpp(NH)p, NaF and forskolin. In the right ventricle of the failing hearts the beta 1-receptor density decreased selectively (-55.8%) while the beta 2-receptor density was unchanged. Modifications in the adenylate cyclase system were demonstrated: a reduction in the basal and beta 1- and beta 2-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity; a decrease in adenylate cyclase activation elicited by Gpp(NH)p, but not by forskolin and NaF. In conclusion, these data suggest that in monocrotaline-induced heart failure in the rat there is a selective beta 1-receptor down-regulation and an impaired coupling efficiency of G proteins. These results are in line with biochemical changes found in patients with heart failure.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1989

Noradrenaline, atrial natriuretic peptide, bombesin and neurotensin in myocardium and blood of rats in congestive cardiac failure.

Rats given monocrotaline develop severe right ventricular hypertrophy often accompanied by ascites and pleural effusions. In rats with right ventricular hypertrophy and no serous effusions ("hypertrophy" group), ventricular concentrations of noradrenaline were reduced but ventricular contents were unchanged. Atrial concentrations of noradrenaline were unaffected. Those with more severe right ventricular hypertrophy and serous effusions ("failure" group) had greatly reduced concentrations of noradrenaline in all four chambers, particularly on the right side; the right and left ventricular contents of noradrenaline were also diminished. The distributions of ir-ANP, ir-bombesin and ir-neurotensin in the normal rat heart are presented. ANP concentration fell to 33% in the right atrium and 46% in the left atrium of "failure" animals and to 57% in the right atrium of "hypertrophy" animals. Right ventricular content of ANP, normally low, increased more than two-fold in both groups, the concentration remaining unchanged. Left ventricular content of ANP decreased in the "failure" group. Concentrations of bombesin and neurotensin fell in both ventricles of both groups. Ventricular contents of bombesin did not change, but ventricular contents of neurotensin decreased, especially on the right side. Plasma ANP rose nearly six-fold while plasma bombesin and neurotensin fell in the "failure" group. Plasma peptide concentrations were unchanged in the "hypertrophy" group. The studies show the utility of the monocrotaline model in distinguishing between the effects of hypertrophy and those associated specifically with the syndrome of congestive cardiac failure.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Oxygen free radical-mediated heart injury in animal models and during bypass surgery in humans. Effects of alpha-tocopherol.

There is evidence that oxygen free radicals play a role in myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury. We investigated the effect of ischemia and reperfusion on glutathione status. Reperfusion after prolonged ischemia (60 min) induced an important release of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, concomitant with an increase of tissue GSSG and no recovery of mechanical function, indicating that reperfusion results in oxidative stress. These alterations are associated with tissue and mitochondrial calcium accumulation, loss of mitochondrial function, and membrane damage. We also determined the arteriocoronary sinus difference for GSH and GSSG of 16 CAD patients undergoing coronary artery bypass. Patients were divided in two groups according to the length of clamping period: 25 +/- 2 min (group 1), and 55 +/- 6 min (group 2). In group 1, reperfusion resulted in a transient release of GSH, GSSG, CPK, and lactate, with return to preclamping values in 10 minutes. In group 2, reperfusion determined a sustained and pronounced release of GSH, GSSG, CPK, and lactate during declamping, suggesting the occurrence of an oxidative stress. Using an in vitro model, administration of alpha-tocopherol bound with albumin showed protection of mitochondrial function, improved recovery of contraction, and reduced oxidative stress during reperfusion.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Protective effects of gallopamil against ischemia and reperfusion damage.

To establish if the administration of gallopamil, a derivative of verapamil, protects heart muscle against the deleterious effect of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion, rabbits were injected subcutaneously twice daily with 2 mg/kg of Gallopamil for 5-6 days. The hearts were isolated and perfused with aerobic Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution by the Langendorff method. The hearts were paced (180 b/min) and wall temperature was controlled. Ischemia was induced by reducing coronary flow from 25 ml/min to 1 ml/min for 90 min and then the hearts were reperfused for 30 min. At the end of either the ischemic period or reperfusion, the hearts were assayed for ATP, CP, and calcium. Others were homogenized, their mitochondria harvested and monitored for oxidative phosphorylating and ATP generating activity as well as calcium content and uptake. The mechanical function of the hearts and noradrenaline release was also measured. Hearts that were made ischemic gained calcium, their endogenous stores of ATP and CP were depleted, their mitochondria had reduced RCI and state 3 respiration and increased calcium concentrations. During reperfusion tissue and mitochondrial calcium was significantly increased, the capacity of mitochondria to use oxygen for state 3 respiration was further impaired and their ATP generating capacity reduced. Diastolic pressure increased and there was no recovery of developed pressure and important noradrenaline release. Pretreatment with gallopamil protected the mitochondria against the ischemically induced changes in RCI, state 3 respiration. There was also a less marked rise in tissue and mitochondrial calcium and a reduced increase of diastolic pressure. Gallopamil also diminished the effect of reperfusion on the calcium accumulating activity of mitochondria and on the decline in the ATP generating and oxygen utilizing capacity of the mitochondria. The tissue levels of ATP and CP were better maintained, and noradrenaline release was reduced, the systolic pressure generating capacity was enhanced by the treatment with gallopamil. These results are discussed in accordance with the hypothesis that this drug protects heart muscle against the deleterious effects of ischemia and reperfusion by ensuring that sufficient ATP remains available to maintain homeostasis with respect to calcium.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1988

Metabolic changes during post-ischaemic reperfusion.

We attempted to identify the nature and time-course of metabolic changes occurring during ischaemia followed by reperfusion either in coronary artery disease patients undergoing intracoronary thrombolysis or in isolated and perfused rabbit hearts. Arterial and coronary sinus differences for oxygen, lactate, glucose, free fatty acid and creatine kinase were measured in patients undergoing successful intracoronary thrombolysis of left anterior descending occlusion. Early reperfusion (after 160 mins of ischaemia) restored aerobic metabolism and myocardial contractility. In contrast, reperfusion after more prolonged ischaemia (335 mins) did not restore mitochondrial function or contractile activity of the myocytes. Results obtained using isolated and perfused rabbit hearts also confirm that the likelihood of recovery during reperfusion depends on the rapidity of recanalization. Furthermore the data reported indicate that on reperfusion after prolonged ischaemia (90 mins) cell damage occurs, leading to a breakdown of the permeability barrier to ions and to larger molecules such as creatine phosphokinase. As a consequence, reperfusion produces a large increase of intracellular calcium, whilst the intracellular magnesium content is severely reduced. Under these conditions, with the observed loss of magnesium from the cell, mitochondrial calcium transport is highly stimulated and the equilibrium between ATP synthesis and calcium influx is shifted towards calcium influx. This sequence of events leads to mitochondrial calcium overload with subsequent damage of mitochondrial structure and loss of the ability to synthesize ATP. Reperfusion of the isolated rabbit hearts with solutions containing high magnesium and low calcium for 10 mins reduced mitochondrial calcium overload. This, in turn, resulted in maintenance of ATP synthesis and, on return to normal perfusate, in partial recovery of developed pressure and myocardial ATP content. These findings may be of importance in the restoration of blood flow to ischaemic heart muscle during thrombolysis.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1987

Mechanism of myocardial protective action of dilazep during ischaemia and reperfusion.

The aim of this study was to investigate if dilazep is able to reduce with a direct protective action on the myocardium the deleterious effects caused by ischaemia and reperfusion. For this purpose we used an isolated rabbit heart preparation. The hearts were either perfused aerobically or made totally ischaemic for 60 min (by abolishing coronary flow) or made ischaemic for 60 min and then reperfused for 30 min. Ischaemic and reperfusion damage was measured in terms of alteration in mechanical function, lactate and CPK release, mitochondrial function and tissue content of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), Creatine Phosphate (CP) and calcium. Dilazep (10(-5) M) was administered in the perfusate either 20 minutes before ischaemia or only during post-ischaemic reperfusion. Ischaemia induced a decline of the endogenous stores of ATP and CP, followed by an alteration of calcium homeostasis with increase of diastolic pressure, mitochondria calcium overload and impairment of the oxidative phosphorylating capacities. On reperfusion, tissue and mitochondrial calcium increase the capacity of the mitochondria to use O2 for state III respiration was further impaired and the ATP-generating capacity reduced. Diastolic pressure increased and there was only a small recovery of active tension generation associated with massive CPK release. Administration of dilazep before ischaemia induced a negative inotropic effect which, in turn, resulted in a slowing of the rate of CP and ATP depletion during ischaemia. This protected the hearts against the ischemic, and reperfusion-induced decline in the ATP-generating and O2-utilizing capacities of the mitochondria. In addition, there was a less marked increase in tissue and mitochondrial Ca++, CPK and lactate release were reduced and the recovery of developed pressure on reperfusion was significantly increased. Administration of dilazep during reperfusion failed to modify the exacerbation of ischaemic damage caused by the readmission of coronary flow. These data suggest that dilazep benefits the ischaemic myocardium via an ATP sparing action.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1985

Role of oxygen in myocardial ischaemic and reperfusion damage: effect of alpha-tocopherol.

There is evidence that oxygen-derived free radicals may play a role in myocardial ischaemic and reperfusion injury. Major sources of O2 free radicals formation during ischaemia and reperfusion are: the enzyme xanthine oxidase, activated neutrophils and the myocardial mitochondria. However, in the heart there are defense mechanisms against the toxic oxygen metabolites. They include the enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase plus endogenous antioxidants like vitamin E, ascorbic acid and cysteine. We have investigated in the isolated rabbit hearts the effects of ischaemia and reperfusion on these defence mechanisms. 90 min of ischaemia and/or hypoxia induced a significant reduction of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, and of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio which was further declined after reperfusion indicating that an oxidative stress has occurred. These alterations are associated with massive tissue and mitochondrial calcium accumulation, loss of mitochondrial function and severe membrane damage. The effects of vitamin E on these parameters have been investigated. Administration of 1.1 mg of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate showed a protective effect on mitochondrial function but it failed to improve the recovery of mechanical function during reperfusion.

Animals↗