Abstract
Lactic acid produced by anaerobic metabolism during cardiac ischemia is among several compounds suggested to trigger anginal chest pain; however, the pH reached when a coronary artery is occluded (pH 7.0 to 6.7) can also occur during systemic acidosis, which causes no chest pain. Here we show that lactate, acting through extracellular divalent ions, dramatically increases activity of an acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) that is highly expressed on sensory neurons that innervate the heart. The effect should confer upon neurons that express ASICs an extra sensitivity to the lactic acidosis of local ischemia compared to acidity caused by systemic pathology.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
