Female Rat Hearts Research Articles

Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals novel mitochondrial targets of estrogen deficiency in the aged female rat heart

The incidence of myocardial infarction rises sharply at menopause, implicating a potential role for estrogen (E(2)) loss in age-related increases in ischemic injury. We aimed to identify quantitative changes to the cardiac mitochondrial proteome of aging females, based on the hypothesis that E(2) deficiency exacerbates age-dependent disruptions in mitochondrial proteins. Mitochondria isolated from left ventricles of adult (6 mo) and aged (24 mo) F344 ovary-intact or ovariectomized (OVX) rats were labeled with 8plex isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ; n = 5-6/group). Groups studied were adult, adult OVX, aged, and aged OVX. In vivo coronary artery ligation and in vitro mitochondrial respiration studies were also performed in a subset of rats. We identified 965 proteins across groups and significant directional changes in 67 proteins of aged and/or aged OVX; 32 proteins were unique to aged OVX. Notably, only six proteins were similarly altered in adult OVX (voltage-dependent ion channel 1, adenine nucleotide translocator 1, cytochrome c oxidase subunits VIIc and VIc, catalase, and myosin binding protein C). Proteins affected by aging were primarily related to cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell death. The largest change occurred in monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), a source of oxidative stress. While acute MAO-A inhibition induced mild uncoupling in aged mitochondria, reductions in infarct size were not observed. Age-dependent alterations in mitochondrial signaling indicate a highly selective myocardial response to E(2) deficiency. The combined proteomic and functional approaches described here offer possibility of new protein targets for experimentation and therapeutic intervention in the aged female population.

Abstract 359: Higher ROS Generation and Lower Threshold of mPTP Opening May Underlie Increased Vulnerability of Late Pregnant Heart to Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Although the murine late pregnant (LP) heart is speculated to be a better functioning heart during physiological conditions, the susceptibility of LP hearts to I/R injury is still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the cardiac vulnerability of LP rodents to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In-vivo female rat hearts (non-pregnant (NP) or LP) or Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to ischemia followed by reperfusion. The infarct size was ∼4 fold larger in LP compared to NP both in the in-vivo rat model and ex-vivo mouse model. The hemodynamic parameters were similar between NP and LP before ischemia. However, the postischemic functional recovery was extremely poor in LP mice comparing to NP mice. RPP was reduced from 12818±1213mmHg*beats/min in NP to 1617± 287mmHg*beats/min in LP mice at the end of reperfusion. Interestingly, all of the hemodynamic parameters almost fully recovered in hearts seven days post-partum (PP7)( RPP= 9604±1215 mmHg*beats/min). To explore the mitochondrial function involvement in the higher vulnerability of LP hearts to I/R injury, mitochondrial respiration and ROS production were measured. Respiratory control index(RCI) were significantly decreased in LP subjected to I/R compared to NP and PP7 (RCI=1.9±0.1 in LP, 4.0±0.5 in NP and 3.9±0.5 in PP7, P<0.05 LP vs. NP and PP7). The superoxide production was also significantly higher in isolated cardiac mitochondria from LP hearts subjected to I/R injury (10.7±1.7mM/min/mg protein in NP; 21.3±3.1mM/min/mg protein in LP and 9.3±3.3mM/min/mg protein in PP7; p<0.05 LP vs. NP and PP7). The threshold for opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in response to Ca2+ overload was much lower in LP hearts (calcium retention capacity(CRC)=167±10 nmol/mg-mitochondrial protein) compared with NP (233±18 nmol/mg-mitochondrial protein) and PP7 (260±12 nmol/mg-mitochondrial protein, P<0.01). In conclusion, the higher susceptibility of LP hearts to I/R injury is associated with a lower threshold for triggering the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening in response to Ca2+ overload which may at least be in part due to higher ROS generation and lower mitochondrial respiration.

Abstract 342: Increased Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening Dominates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Aged Female Rat Heart

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in older post-menopausal women. Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury triggers mitochondrial calcium (Ca 2+ ) overload inducing mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death potentially by necrosis, apoptosis, and/or autophagy. Purpose: We sought to determine if age-associated estrogen deficiency increases mitochondrial Ca 2+ sensitivity, providing a possible mechanism for increased vulnerability to I/R injury in older women. Methods: Mitochondrial respiration (MR) was assessed in isolated mitochondria from ventricles of adult (6 mo; n=15) and aged (24 mo; n=18) ovary-intact or ovariectomized (OVX) female F344 rats. MR at complexes I and II was compared in the absence (State 2) and presence (State 3) of ADP to calculate respiratory control index (RCI; state3/state 2). Reduced RCI following Ca 2+ addition was used to assess Ca 2+ sensitivity, while mitochondrial Ca 2+ retention capacity was measured to quantify MPTP opening (CRC; n=4-5/group) prior to and following coronary artery ligation (55 min I and 6 hr R). Apoptosis was examined using DNA laddering and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Markers of autophagy were evaluated by western blotting and mitochondrial morphology through electron microscopy (EM). Results: Significant age-dependent decreases in RCI for complex I (12%) and complex II (8%) were observed in the absence of Ca 2+ , and correlated with increased necrosis in aged hearts revealed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining (p < 0.05). Ca 2+ exposure decreased MR (18-30%; p < 0.05) in Complex I of aged and OVX mitochondria vs adults. Furthermore, CRC worsened with age requiring less Ca 2+ to open the MPTP. Reduced DNA laddering and TUNEL staining combined with increased beclin-1 and cathepsinD expression in aged vs. adult further support a dominant role for necrosis over apoptosis underlying cell death in aged females (n=4-5/group). EM revealed morphological alterations with age and OVX. Conclusion: Decreased MR and increased MPTP opening with aging are likely causal in necrotic cell death mechanisms associated with I/R injury observed in post-menopausal women.

Cardiac vulnerability to ischemia/reperfusion injury drastically increases in late pregnancy

Although the murine late pregnant (LP) heart is speculated to be a better functioning heart during physiological conditions, the susceptibility of LP hearts to I/R injury is still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the cardiac vulnerability of LP rodents to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In vivo female rat hearts [non-pregnant (NP) or LP] or ex vivo Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to I/R. The infarct size was approximately fourfold larger in LP animals compared with NP both in vivo and ex vivo. The heart functional recovery was extremely poor in LP mice compared with NP (~10% recovery in LP vs. 80% recovery in NP at the end of reperfusion, P < 0.01). Interestingly, the poor functional recovery and the larger infarct size in LP were partially restored one day post-partum and almost fully restored 1 week post-partum to their corresponding NP levels. Mitochondrial respiratory function and the threshold for opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore were significantly lower in LP compared with NP when they both were subjected to myocardial I/R injury [Respiratory control ratio = 1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5 in NP, P < 0.05; calcium retention capacity (CRC) = 167 ± 10 vs. 233 ± 18 nmol/mg protein in NP, P < 0.01]. Cardiac reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well mitochondrial superoxide production, was approximately twofold higher in LP compared with NP following I/R. The phosphorylation levels of Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3, but not GSK3β, were significantly reduced in the hearts from LP subjected to I/R. In conclusion, increased mitochondrial ROS generation, decreased CRC as well as impaired activation of Akt/ERK/STAT3 at reperfusion are the possible underlying mechanisms for higher vulnerability of LP hearts to I/R.

Age-Dependent Reductions in Mitochondrial Respiration are Exacerbated by Calcium in the Female Rat Heart

Cardiovascular disease mortality increases rapidly after menopause by poorly defined mechanisms. Because mitochondrial function and Ca(2+) sensitivity are important regulators of cell death after myocardial ischemia, we sought to determine whether aging and/or estrogen deficiency (ovariectomy) increased mitochondrial Ca(2+) sensitivity. Mitochondrial respiration was measured in ventricular mitochondria isolated from adult (6 months; n = 26) and aged (24 months; n = 25), intact or ovariectomized female rats using the substrates α-ketoglutarate/malate (complex I); succinate/rotenone (complex II); ascorbate/N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine/antimycin (complex IV). State 2 and 3 respiration was initiated by sequential addition of mitochondria and adenosine diphosphate. Ca(2+) sensitivity was assessed by Ca(2+)-induced swelling of de-energized mitochondria and reduction in state 3 respiration. Propylpyrazole triol (PPT) was administered intraperitoneally 45 minutes before euthanasia to assess mitochondrial protective effects through estrogen receptor (ER) α activation. Aging decreased the respiratory control index (RCI; state 3/state 2) for complexes I and II by 12% and 8%, respectively, independent of ovary status (P < 0.05). Of interest, Ca(2+) induced a greater decrease (18%-30%; P < 0.05) in complex I state 3 respiration in aged and ovariectomized animals, and mitochondrial swelling occurred twice as quickly in aged (vs adult) female rats (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with PPT increased RCI by 8% and 7% at complexes I and II, respectively (P < 0.05) but surprisingly increased Ca(2+) sensitivity. Age-dependent decreases in RCI and sensitization to Ca(2+) may explain in part the age-associated reductions in female ischemic tolerance; however, protection afforded by ER agonism involves more complex mechanisms.

Susceptibility of the isolated female rat heart to ischemia‐induced ventricular fibrillation varies with estrous cycle stage

The vast majority of studies employing the isolated perfused rat heart model to study ischemic arrhythmias have used male rats only. The objective of this study was to determine the variation in susceptibility to ischemia‐induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) in isolated female rat hearts with the changing endogenous reproductive hormonal environment associated with the estrous cycle.Hearts were isolated from female rats under anesthesia and perfused with 3 mM K+ Krebs solution. Experiments were grouped according to estrous cycle stage that was determined by prior vaginal lavage (n=9–13 per group). A group of male rats was used as the control. Regional ischemia was induced by coronary ligation and maintained for 30 min. The incidence of VF was determined from the ECG.The incidence of VF in male hearts was 100%, while the incidence of VF in female hearts was also high but varied with stage of the estrous cycle (proestrus 89%, diestrus 78%, metestrus 100%, estrus 69%; p&gt;0.05). There was no difference between groups in time to onset of VF or ischemic zone size (range 40–44% of total ventricular weight).In conclusion, the susceptibility of isolated female rat hearts to ischemic VF is comparable to that of male rat hearts. However, the variation in VF susceptibility in female rat hearts associated with the different stages of the estrous cycle may affect the statistical power of a study.Supported by a WVSOM intramural grant.

MicroRNA-143 is a critical regulator of cell cycle activity in stem cells with co-overexpression of Akt and angiopoietin-1 via transcriptional regulation of Erk5/cyclin D1 signaling

We report that simultaneous expression of Akt and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) transgenes supported mitogenesis in stem cells with a critical role for microRNA-143 (miR-143) downstream of FoxO1 transcription factor. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from young male rats were transduced with Ad-vectors encoding for Akt (AktMSC) and Ang-1 (Ang-1MSC) transgenes for their individual or simultaneous overexpression (AAMSC; > 5-fold gene level and > 4-fold Akt and Ang-1 protein expression in AAMSC vs. Ad-Empty transduced MSC; EmpMSC). AAMSC had higher phosphorylation of FoxO1, which activated Erk5, a distinct mitogen-induced MAPK that drove transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 and Cdk4. Flow cytometry showed > 10% higher S-phase cell population that was confirmed by BrdU assay (15%) and immunohistology for Ki67 (11%) in AAMSC using EmpMSC as controls. miR array supported by real-time PCR showed induction of miR-143 in AAMSC (4.73-fold vs.. EmpMSC). Luciferase assay indicated a dependent relationship between miR-143 and Erk5 in AAMSC. FoxO1-specific siRNA upregulated miR-143, whereas inhibition of miR-143 did not change FoxO1 activation. However, miR-143 inhibition repressed phosphorylation of Erk5 and abrogated cyclin D1 with concomitant reduction in cells entering cell cycle. During in vivo studies, male GFP+ AAMSC transplanted into wild-type female infarcted rat hearts showed significantly higher number of Ki67 expressing cells (p < 0.05 vs. EmpMSC) 7 days after engraftment (n = 4 animals/group). In conclusion, co-overexpression of Akt and Ang-1 in MSC activated cell cycle progression by upregulation of miR-143 and stimulation of FoxO1 and Erk5 signaling.

Cardiac Vulnerability to Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Drastically Increases in Late Pregnancy

Although the murine late pregnant (LP) heart is speculated to be a better functioning heart during physiological conditions, the susceptibility of LP hearts to I/R injury is still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the cardiac vulnerability of LP rodents to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In vivo female rat hearts [non-pregnant (NP) or LP] or ex vivo Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to I/R. The infarct size was approximately fourfold larger in LP animals compared with NP both in vivo and ex vivo. The heart functional recovery was extremely poor in LP mice compared with NP (~10 % recovery in LP vs. 80 % recovery in NP at the end of reperfusion, P < 0.01). Interestingly, the poor functional recovery and the larger infarct size in LP were partially restored one day post-partum and almost fully restored 1 week post-partum to their corresponding NP levels. Mitochondrial respiratory function and the threshold for opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore were significantly lower in LP compared with NP when they both were subjected to myocardial I/R injury [Respiratory control ratio = 1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5 in NP, P < 0.05; calcium retention capacity (CRC) = 167 ± 10 vs. 233 ± 18 nmol/mg protein in NP, P < 0.01]. Cardiac reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well mitochondrial superoxide production, was approximately twofold higher in LP compared with NP following I/R. The phosphorylation levels of Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3, but not GSK3β, were significantly reduced in the hearts from LP subjected to I/R. In conclusion, increased mitochondrial ROS generation, decreased CRC as well as impaired activation of Akt/ERK/STAT3 at reperfusion are the possible underlying mechanisms for higher vulnerability of LP hearts to I/R.

Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Epiphyseal Proteins Counteract Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Stress in Brain, Heart, and Liver of Female Rats

Arsenic (As) toxicity through induction of oxidative stress is a well-known mechanism of organ toxicity. To address this problem, buffalo epiphyseal proteins (BEP, at 100 μg/kg BW, i.p. for 28 days) were administered intraperitoneally to female Wistar rats exposed to As (100 ppm sodium arsenite via drinking water for 28 days). Arsenic exposure resulted in marked elevation in lipid peroxidation in brain, cardiac, and hepatic tissues, whereas significant (p < 0.05) adverse change in catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione level were observed in cardiac, hepatic, and brain tissues of As-administered animals. BEP significantly (p < 0.05) counteracted all the adverse changes in antioxidant defense system brought about by As administration. Based on these results, we consider BEP as a potent antioxidant to be used for protection from arsenic-induced oxidative stress related damage of vital organs.

Local delivery of a PKCε-activating peptide limits ischemia reperfusion injury in the aged female rat heart

Reduced efficacy of cardioprotective interventions in the aged female heart, including estrogen replacement, highlights the need for alternative therapeutics to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in postmenopausal women. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of protein kinase-Cε (PKCε)-mediated cardioprotection in the aged, estradiol-deficient rat heart. Infarct size and functional recovery were assessed in Langendorff-perfused hearts from adult (5 mo) or aged (23 mo) female Fisher 344 ovary-intact or ovariectomized (OVX) rats administered a PKCε-activator, receptor for activated C kinase (ψεRACK) prior to 47-min ischemia and 60-min reperfusion. Proteomic analysis was conducted on left ventricular mitochondrial fractions treated with ψεRACK prior to I/R, utilizing isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) 8plex labeling and tandem mass spectrometry. Real-time PCR was utilized to assess connexin 43 (Cx43) and RACK2 mRNA post-I/R. Greater infarct size in aged OVX (78%) vs. adult (37%) was reduced by ψεRACK (35%, P < 0.0001) and associated with greater mitochondrial PKCε localization (P < 0.0003). Proteomic analysis revealed three novel mitochondrial targets of PKCε-mediated cardioprotection with aging (P < 0.05): the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and MnSOD2, and heat shock protein 10. Finally, decreased levels of Cx43 and RACK2 mRNA seen with age were partially abrogated by administration of ψεRACK (P < 0.05). The mechanisms described here may represent important therapeutic candidates for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women and age-associated estradiol deficiency.

Gender-Related Difference of Sevoflurane Postconditioning in Isolated Rat Hearts: Focus on Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Akt Signaling

Previous studies have reported that female gender confers cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, partly because estrogen activates phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway. We have previously proven that cardioprotection of sevoflurane postconditioning is mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway in male rats. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the cardioprotection of sevoflurane postconditioning is influenced by gender, and the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in such gender difference. Isolated hearts from 2-mo-old male and female SD rats were subjected to ischemia for 40 min and reperfusion for 2 h in the Langendorff apparatus, and were randomly assigned to the following groups: no ischemia/reperfusion (CON), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), I/R+sevoflurane postconditioning (I/R+SPC), I/R+100 nM wortmannin (I/R+WOR), and I/R+SPC+WOR. Postconditioning was performed with administration of 3.0% sevoflurane at the first 10 min of reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and myocardial lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were measured. Infarct size was detected by riphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The protein expression of total Akt (t-Akt) and phosphorylated Akt (Ser(473)) (p-Akt) were determined by Western blot. The I/R group showed lower LVDP and higher LVEDP than CON group in the same gender during reperfusion period. The LDH release and infarct size were smaller in the female I/R group (P < 0.05 versus male I/R group). Sevoflurane postconditioning markedly improved left ventricular function and decreased LDH, infarct size in the male I/R+SPC group (P < 0.05 versus male I/R group) but not in the female I/R+SPC group. Wortmannin abolished the cardioprotection of sevoflurane postconditioning in the male I/R+SPC+Wort group (P < 0.05 versus male I/R+SPC group), and markedly increased the infarct size and LVEDP and decreased LVDP in female rats. The t-Akt protein expression was no significant difference in all groups. The ratio of p-Akt/t-Akt expression in the male CON group was a little lower than that in the female CON group, but there was no statistical significance. In male rats, the ratio of p-Akt/t-Akt was no difference between CON and I/R group, but it was higher in I/R+SPC group than that in I/R group (P < 0.05). In female rats, the level of p-Akt was markedly increased by I/R, which was markedly higher than that in male I/R group (P < 0.05). However, p-Akt was not different between I/R and I/R+SPC groups. Wortmannin decreased the p-Akt expression in both male and female rats. It is concluded that female rat hearts showed greater resistance to I/R injury, and sevoflurane postconditioning developed cardioprotection in male rats but not in female rats. The PI3K/Akt pathway may be involved in the cardioprotection by both sevoflurane postconditioning and gender.

Exercise Training Decreases Arrhythmias But Is Not Associated With Improved Mitochondrial Calcium Retention Capacity

PURPOSE: To determine if 10 days of exercise training decreases cardiac arrhythmias in the isolated female rat heart, and to determine if mitochondrial adaptations are involved. We hypothesized that exercise would promote an anti-arrhythmic phenotype characterized by improved calcium tolerance, improved ROS scavenging by superoxide dismutase (SOD), and delayed mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either the sedentary handling control (Sed) or the exercise trained (Ex) group. Animals in the Ex group were placed on a motorized treadmill at speeds of 15/30/15 meters per minute for 15/30/15 minutes respectively. Animals in the Sed group were handled and placed on the treadmill each day. Exercise duration was 10 days. Twenty-four hours after the last session hearts were excised via thoracotomy and either instrumented for isolated heart experiments or used for mitochondrial isolations. Isolated hearts were exposed to global ischemia for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. RESULTS: Ex led to a significant decrease in the severity of arrhythmias by: 1) reducing the arrhythmia score (5.7 ± 0.9 and 3.0 ± 0.6, for Sed and Ex group respectively, P < 0.05) and 2) decreasing the time spent in a ventricular arrhythmia (11 ± 3 and 2 ± 1 minutes, for Sed and Ex group respectively, P 0.05). However, during reperfusion coronary flow was significantly preserved in the Ex group (P < 0.05, RM ANOVA). Western blots for both SOD isoforms showed that neither SOD1 nor SOD2 protein levels were increased following Ex. In isolated mitochondria, the calcium retention capacity in Ex animals was significantly lower than Sed counterparts (433 ± 33 and 343 ± 10 nmoles of calcium, for Sed and Ex respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Ex causes intrinsic changes in the female heart that decrease the severity of arrhythmias without increases in protein expression of SOD1 or SOD2. Surprisingly, mitochondria of trained animals were more sensitive to calcium-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Future experiments investigating the kinetics of calcium uptake and extrusion in isolated mitochondria will improve our understanding of how mitochondrial calcium handling influences the propensity for arrhythmias.

Age related changes in NAD+ metabolism oxidative stress and Sirt1 activity in wistar rats.

The cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has emerged as a key regulator of metabolism, stress resistance and longevity. Apart from its role as an important redox carrier, NAD+ also serves as the sole substrate for NAD-dependent enzymes, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), an important DNA nick sensor, and NAD-dependent histone deacetylases, Sirtuins which play an important role in a wide variety of processes, including senescence, apoptosis, differentiation, and aging. We examined the effect of aging on intracellular NAD+ metabolism in the whole heart, lung, liver and kidney of female wistar rats. Our results are the first to show a significant decline in intracellular NAD+ levels and NAD∶NADH ratio in all organs by middle age (i.e.12 months) compared to young (i.e. 3 month old) rats. These changes in [NAD(H)] occurred in parallel with an increase in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls (o- and m- tyrosine) formation and decline in total antioxidant capacity in these organs. An age dependent increase in DNA damage (phosphorylated H2AX) was also observed in these same organs. Decreased Sirt1 activity and increased acetylated p53 were observed in organ tissues in parallel with the drop in NAD+ and moderate over-expression of Sirt1 protein. Reduced mitochondrial activity of complex I–IV was also observed in aging animals, impacting both redox status and ATP production. The strong positive correlation observed between DNA damage associated NAD+ depletion and Sirt1 activity suggests that adequate NAD+ concentrations may be an important longevity assurance factor.

Estrogen Receptor β Does Not Influence Ischemic Tolerance in the Aged Female Rat Heart

Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of morbidityand mortality in aged women, with a 2- to 3-fold increased incidencefollowing menopause. Clinical trials have failed to demonstrate cardioprotectivebenefit from chronic estrogen (E2) replacement therapy, yet protective effects of E2 occur in adult animal models and are in part mediated by non-genomic estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling. The role of ERβ is less clear. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of acute ERβ activation on reducing cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in aged E2-deficient female rats. Hearts were isolated from adult (6mo; n=9), aged (24mo; n=13), and aged ovariectomized (OVX; n=14) F344 rats. Hearts were perfused in Langendorff mode and subjected to 47 min of global I and 60 min of R. Rats were acutely treated with the ERβ-agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) 45 min prior to I/R (5μg/kg, s.c.), and mRNA isolated to determine ERβ expression. Here, for the first time, our data suggest that acute treatment with DPN does not affect functional recovery following I/R injury in adult, aged, or aged OVX female rats. Additionally, we were unable to detect ERβ mRNA in the adult or aged female rat myocardium. These data indicate that acute ERβ activation does not impact I/R injury in the female rat heart and bring into question the relevance of non-genomic ERβ signaling during I/R injury. Funding Source: NIH R01 HL091097

Age‐Dependent Decreases in Mitochondrial Respiration are Exacerbated by Calcium in Female Rat Hearts

Background Cardiovascular disease mortality increases rapidly following menopause by poorly defined mechanisms. Since mitochondrial Ca2+ overload has been identified as a trigger of cell death following myocardial ischemia, we sought to determine if aging and/or estrogen deficiency (OVX) increased mitochondrial Ca2+ sensitivity. Methods Respiration (MR) was measured in ventricular mitochondria isolated from adult (6mo; n=9) and aged (24mo; n=11), intact or OVX female rats using the substrates: Oxoglutarate/Malate (Complex I); Succinate/Rotenone (Complex II); Ascorbate/TMPD/Antimycin (Complex IV). State 2 and State 3 MR was initiated by sequential addition of mitochondria and ADP. Ca2+ sensitivity was assessed by the reduction in respiratory control index (RCI; state 3/state 2) with 0.5mM Ca2+. Results In the absence of Ca2+, adult female RCIs for complexes I and II were 10.3 and 2.1, respectively. Although there was no effect of age on complex IV MR, aging decreased the RCI's for complexes I and II by 14% and 8%, respectively, independent of ovary status (p<0.05). Interestingly, Ca2+ reduced complex I RCI by 32% (p<0.05) in aged but not adult rat hearts demonstrating an age-dependent decrease in Ca2+ tolerance. Conclusions That aged female mitochondria are more sensitive to Ca2+ may explain in part the age-associated decreases in female ischemic tolerance. This work was supported by NHLBI RO1 HL091097

Effects of estrogen via estrogen receptors on parvalbumin levels in cardiac myocytes of ovariectomized rats

The study investigated the effects of estrogen on parvalbumin (PV) levels in cardiac myocytes of ovariectomized rats, which is a model system for postmenopausal woman. Parvalbumin acts as a relaxing factor in cardiac myocytes. Adult female Wistar rats, 12 weeks old, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10: sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX receiving estrogen replacement of 10 μg/kg (Es10), 20 μg/kg (Es20) and 40 μg/kg (Es40). After 10 weeks, serum estrogen levels were measured and the α and β estrogen receptors in cardiac myocytes were investigated by immunohistochemistry. PV levels were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Cardiac myocytes of all animals showed strong staining intensities for α immunoreactive (Es α-ir), but weak staining for β immunoreactive (Es β-ir) estrogen receptors. The Es α-ir was reduced in the cardiac myocytes of the OVX groups, but increased in the Es10, Es20 and Es40 groups. We therefore suggest that estrogen effects are mediated via Es α receptors rather than Es β receptors in female rat hearts. Estrogen and PV immunoreactive (PV-ir) levels and the intensity of the PV band observed in the OVX group were less than those of the SHAM group. In the Es10, Es20 and Es40 groups, the increased intensity of the PV-ir and PV bands correlated with the increased estrogen levels. The low PV levels in cardiac myocytes induced by low estrogen were restored by estrogen replacement therapy. Therefore a reduction of PV may lead to diastolic dysfunction in menopause.

Decreased cardiac SERCA2 expression, SR Ca uptake, and contractile function in hypothyroidism are attenuated in SERCA2 overexpressing transgenic rats

The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase SERCA2a has a key role in controlling cardiac contraction and relaxation. In hypothyroidism, decreased expression of the thyroid hormone (TH)-responsive SERCA2 gene contributes to slowed SR Ca(2+) reuptake and relaxation. We investigated whether cardiac expression of a TH-insensitive SERCA2a cDNA minigene can rescue SR Ca(2+) handling and contractile function in female SERCA2a-transgenic rats (TG) with experimental hypothyroidism. Wild-type rats (WT) and TG were rendered hypothyroid by 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil treatment for 6 wk; control rats received no treatment. In vivo measured left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic parameters were compared with SERCA2a expression and function in LV tissue. Hypothyroidism decreased LV peak systolic pressure, dP/dt(max), and dP/dt(min) in both WT and TG. However, loss of function was less in TG. Thus slowed relaxation in hypothyroidism was found to be 1.5-fold faster in TG compared with WT (P < 0.05). In parallel, a 1.4-fold higher V(max) value of homogenate SR Ca(2+) uptake was observed in hypothyroid TG (P < 0.05 vs. hypothyroid WT), and the hypothyroidism-caused decline of LV SERCA2a mRNA expression in TG by -24% was markedly less than the decrease of -49% in WT (P < 0.05). A linear relationship was observed between the SERCA2a/PLB mRNA ratio values and the V(max) values of SR Ca(2+) uptake when the respective data of all experimental groups were plotted together (r = 0.90). The data show that expression of the TH-insensitive SERCA2a minigene compensates for loss of expressional activity of the TH-responsive native SERCA2a gene in the female hypothyroid rat heart. However, SR Ca(2+) uptake and in vivo heart function were only partially rescued.

Gene Expression, Function and Ischemia Tolerance in Male and Female Rat Hearts After Sub-Toxic Levels of Angiotensin II

To examine the response to chronic high-dose angiotensin II (Ang II) and a proposed milder response in female hearts with respect to gene expression and ischemic injury. Female and male litter–matched rats were treated with 400 ng kg−1 min−1 Ang II for 14 days. Hearts were isolated, subjected to 30-min ischemia and 30-min reperfusion in combination with functional monitoring and thereafter harvested for gene expression, WB and histology. Ang II-treated hearts showed signs of non-hypertrophic remodeling and had significantly higher end diastolic pressure after reperfusion, but no significant gender difference was detected. Ang II increased expression of genes related to heart function (ANF, β-MCH, Ankrd-1, PKC-α, PKC-δ TNF-α); fibrosis (Col I-α1, Col III-α1, Fn-1, Timp1) and apoptosis (P53, Casp-3) without changing heart weight but with 68% increase in collagen content. High (sub-toxic) dose of Ang II resulted in marked heart remodeling and diastolic dysfunction after ischemia without significant myocyte hypertrophy or ventricular chamber dilatation. Although there were some gender-dependent differences in gene expression, female gender did not protect against the overall response.

E0180 The acute proarrhythmic effects of low concentration BPA on female adult rat and the electrophysiologic mechanisms

ObjectiveTo investigate the acute proarrhythmic effects of low concentration BPA on adult rat and to demonstrate the electrophysiologic mechanisms.Methods and resultsAcute exposure to BPA increased the contractility of cardiac myocytes...

Ischemic Postconditioning Does Not Provide Cardioprotection from Long-Term Ischemic Injury in Isolated Male or Female Rat Hearts 1

Ischemic postconditioning (PoC) is a cardio-protective strategy in which initial reperfusion is interrupted by episodes of ischemia. It is unclear whether PoC can be achieved in the Langendorff perfused rat heart model. We investigated (1) whether postconditioning occurs in Langendorff perfused rat heart and (2) whether there is a gender-specific response to PoC. Male/female rat hearts (n = 8/group) were subjected to 30 min of equilibration, 30 min of ischemia, and 120 min of reperfusion (Control). PoC was induced by 6 cycles (PoC 6c10s), 3 cycles (PoC 3c10s), or 2 cycles (PoC 2c10s) of 10 s reperfusion/10 s ischemia. Rate pressure product (RPP) and infarct size were measured. Male rats (n = 7/group) were subjected in vivo to 30 min left coronary ligation followed by 24 h of reperfusion (Control) or PoC 6c10s and 24 h of reperfusion. Recovery of RPP was 18% ± 4% in male Control versus 17% ± 2% for 6c10s, 16% ± 1% for 3c10s, and 15% ± 3% for 2c10s. Female Control hearts recovered 25% ± 3% of their RPP versus 21% ± 2% for 6c10s. Infarct size was 25% ± 3% for male Control versus 26% ± 3% for 6c10s, 30% ± 2% for 3c10s, 28% ± 1% for 2c10s, and 30% ± 2% for female Control versus 29% ± 2% in 6c10s. In vivo infarct size for Control and PoC 6c10s was 44% ± 3% and 28% ± 5%, respectively (P < 0.05). In the Langendorff perfused rat hearts, none of the PoC protocols improved myocardial tolerance to ischemia reperfusion injury nor decreased infarct size; however, in vivo postconditioning did confer protection. The lack of protection in the isolated hearts was not gender specific.