Isolated Rat Cardiac Myocytes Research Articles

The NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium suppresses Ca2+ signaling and contraction in rat cardiac myocytes.

Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) has been widely used as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (Nox) to discover its function in cardiac myocytes under various stimuli. However, the effects of DPI itself on Ca2+ signaling and contraction in cardiac myocytes under control conditions have not been understood. We investigated the effects of DPI on contraction and Ca2+ signaling and their underlying mechanisms using video edge detection, confocal imaging, and whole-cell patch clamp technique in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Application of DPI suppressed cell shortenings in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of ≅0.17 µM) with a maximal inhibition of ~70% at ~100 µM. DPI decreased the magnitude of Ca2+ transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content by 20%-30% at 3 µM that is usually used to remove the Nox activity, with no effect on fractional release. There was no significant change in the half-decay time of Ca2+ transients by DPI. The L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) was decreased concentration-dependently by DPI (IC50 of ≅40.3 µM) with ≅13.1%-inhibition at 3 µM. The frequency of Ca2+ sparks was reduced by 3 µM DPI (by ~25%), which was resistant to a brief removal of external Ca2+ and Na+. Mitochondrial superoxide level was reduced by DPI at 3-100 µM. Our data suggest that DPI may suppress L-type Ca2+ channel and RyR, thereby attenuating Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and contractility in cardiac myocytes, and that such DPI effects may be related to mitochondrial metabolic suppression.

Suppression of cardiomyocyte functions by β-CTX isolated from the Thai king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom via an alternative method.

Background:Beta-cardiotoxin (β-CTX), the three-finger toxin isolated from king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom, possesses β-blocker activity as indicated by its negative chronotropy and its binding property to both β-1 and β-2 adrenergic receptors and has been proposed as a novel β-blocker candidate. Previously, β-CTX was isolated and purified by FPLC. Here, we present an alternative method to purify this toxin. In addition, we tested its cytotoxicity against different mammalian muscle cell types and determined the impact on cardiac function in isolated cardiac myocyte so as to provide insights into the pharmacological action of this protein.Methods:β-CTX was isolated from the crude venom of the Thai king cobra using reverse-phased and cation exchange HPLC. In vitro cellular viability MTT assays were performed on mouse myoblast (C2C12), rat smooth muscle (A7r5), and rat cardiac myoblast (H9c2) cells. Cell shortening and calcium transient dynamics were recorded on isolated rat cardiac myocytes over a range of β-CTX concentration.Results:Purified β-CTX was recovered from crude venom (0.53% w/w). MTT assays revealed 50% cytotoxicity on A7r5 cells at 9.41 ± 1.14 µM (n = 3), but no cytotoxicity on C2C12 and H9c2 cells up to 114.09 µM. β-CTX suppressed the extend of rat cardiac cell shortening in a dose-dependent manner; the half-maximal inhibition concentration was 95.97 ± 50.10 nM (n = 3). In addition, the rates of cell shortening and re-lengthening were decreased in β-CTX treated myocytes concomitant with a prolongation of the intracellular calcium transient decay, indicating depression of cardiac contractility secondary to altered cardiac calcium homeostasis.Conclusion:We present an alternative purification method for β-CTX from king cobra venom. We reveal cytotoxicity towards smooth muscle and depression of cardiac contractility by this protein. These data are useful to aid future development of pharmacological agents derived from β-CTX.

Reconstruction of membrane current by deconvolution and its application to membrane capacitance measurements in cardiac myocytes.

Correct detection of membrane currents under whole-cell patch–clamp conditions is limited by the transfer function of a recording system. The low-pass output filter of a recording amplifier alters the time course of membrane current and causes errors in relevant descriptors. To solve these problems, we developed a practical procedure for reconstruction of the time course of membrane currents based on deconvolution of recorded currents in frequency domain. The procedure was tested on membrane capacitance estimates from current responses to step voltage pulses. The reconstructed current responses, in contrast to original current records, could be described exactly by an adequate impedance model of a recorded cell. The reconstruction allowed to increase the accuracy and reliability of membrane capacitance measurements in wide range of cell sizes and to suppress the cross-talk errors well below the noise. Moreover, it allowed resolving the instabilities in recording conditions arising from parasitic capacitance and seal resistance variation. Complex tests on hardware models, on simulated data sets, and on living cells confirmed robustness and reliability of the deconvolution procedure. The aptitude of the method was demonstrated in isolated rat cardiac myocytes by recording of spontaneous vesicular events, by discerning the formation of a fusion pore, and by revealing artefacts due to unstable seal resistance.

Cardiac Effects of Echinocandins in Endotoxemic Rats.

Echinocandins are known as effective and safe agents for the prophylaxis and treatment of different cohorts of patients with fungal infections. Recent studies revealed that certain pharmacokinetics of echinocandin antifungals might impact clinical efficacy and safety in special patient populations. The aim of our study was to evaluate echinocandin-induced aggravation of cardiac impairment in septic shock. Using an in vivo endotoxemic shock model in rats, we assessed hemodynamic parameters and time to hemodynamic failure (THF) after additional central-venous application of anidulafungin (2.5 mg/kg of body weight [BW]), caspofungin (0.875 mg/kg BW), micafungin (3 mg/kg BW), and control (0.9% sodium chloride). In addition, echinocandin-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. THF of the animals in the caspofungin group (n = 7) was significantly reduced compared to that in the control (n = 6) (136 min versus 180 min; P = 0.0209). The anidulafungin group (n = 7) also showed a trend of reduced THF (136 min versus 180 min; log-rank test P = 0.0578). Animals in the micafungin group (n = 7) did not show significant differences in THF compared to those in the control. Control group animals and also micafungin group animals did not show altered cardiac output (CO) during our experiments. In contrast, administration of anidulafungin or caspofungin induced a decrease in CO. We also revealed a dose-dependent increase of cytotoxicity in anidulafungin- and caspofungin-treated cardiac myocytes. Treatment with micafungin did not cause significantly increased cytotoxicity. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanism.

The toxicity mechanisms of action of Aβ25-35 in isolated rat cardiac myocytes.

β-Amyloid (Aβ) is deposited in neurons and vascular cells of the brain and is characterized as a pathologic feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently studies have reported that there is an association between cardiovascular risk factors and AD, however the mechanism of this association is still uncertain. In this study we observed Aβ had an effect on cardiovascular cells. We represent as a major discovery that Aβ25–35 had toxicity on isolated rat cardiac myocytes by impacting the cytoskeleton assembly and causing ER stress, ultimately contributing to the apoptosis of the myocytes. Importantly, the activation of ER stress and subsequent cellular dysfunction and apoptosis by Aβ25–35 was regulated by the MAPK pathway, which could be prevented by inhibition of p38 via pharmacological inhibitors. It was noteworthy that Aβ25–35 played a critical role in cardiac myocytes, suggesting that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) had a relation with the heart and understanding of these associations in future will help search for effective treatment strategies.

Hyperinsulinemia Down-Regulates TLR4 Expression in the Mammalian Heart.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are key regulators of innate immune and inflammatory responses and their activation is linked to impaired glucose metabolism during metabolic disease. Determination of whether TLR4 signaling can be activated in the heart by insulin may shed light on the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, a process that is often complicated by obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of the current study was to determine if supraphysiological insulin concentrations alter the expression of TLR4, markers of TLR4 signaling and glucose transporters (GLUTs) in the heart. Firstly, the effect of insulin on TLR4 protein expression was investigated in vitro in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Secondly, protein expression of TLR4, the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and GLUTs (1, 4, 8, 12) were examined in the equine ventricular myocardium following a prolonged, euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp. Down-regulation of TLR4 protein content in rat cardiac myocytes was observed after incubation with a supraphysiologic concentration of insulin as well as in the equine myocardium after prolonged insulin infusion. Further, cardiac TLR4 expression was negatively correlated with serum insulin concentration. Markers of cardiac TLR4 signaling and GLUT expression were not affected by hyperinsulinemia and concomitant TLR4 down-regulation. Since TLRs are major determinants of the inflammatory response, our findings suggest that insulin infusion exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in the hearts of non-obese individuals. Understanding the regulation of cardiac TLR4 signaling during metabolic dysfunction will facilitate improved management of cardiac sequela to metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Mechanism and consequence of the autoactivation of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase promoted by TAB1

p38α Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (p38α) is activated by a variety of mechanisms, including autophosphorylation initiated by TGFβ-activated kinase 1 binding protein 1 (TAB1) during myocardial ischemia and other stresses. Chemical genetic approaches and co-expression in mammalian, bacterial and cell-free systems revealed that mouse p38α autophosphorylation occurs in cis by direct interaction with TAB1(371-416). In isolated rat cardiac myocytes and perfused mouse hearts TAT-TAB1(371-416) rapidly activates p38 and profoundly perturbs function. Crystal structures and characterization in solution revealed a bipartite docking site for TAB1 in the p38α C-terminal kinase lobe. TAB1 binding stabilizes active p38α and induces rearrangements within the activation segment by helical extension of the Thr-Gly-Tyr motif that allows auto-phosphorylation in cis. Interference with p38α recognition by TAB1 abolishes its cardiac toxicity. Potentially, such intervention could circumvent the drawbacks seen when pharmacological inhibitors of p38 catalytic activity are used clinically.

Doxorubicin induced myocardial injury is exacerbated following ischaemic stress via opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

Chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin are known to cause or exacerbate cardiovascular cell death when an underlying heart condition is present. However, the mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is unclear. Here we assess the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin in conditions of myocardial ischaemia reperfusion and the mechanistic basis of protection, in particular the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in such protection. The effects of doxorubicin (1μM)±cyclosporine A (CsA, 0.2μM; inhibits mPTP) were investigated in isolated male Sprague–Dawley rats using Langendorff heart and papillary muscle contraction models subjected to simulated ischaemia and reperfusion injury. Isolated rat cardiac myocytes were used in an oxidative stress model to study the effects of drug treatment on mPTP by confocal microscopy. Western blot analysis evaluated the effects of drug treatment on p-Akt and p-Erk 1/2 levels. Langendorff and the isometric contraction models showed a detrimental effect of doxorubicin throughout reperfusion/reoxygenation as well as increased p-Akt and p-Erk levels. Interestingly, CsA not only reversed the detrimental effects of doxorubicin, but also reduced p-Akt and p-Erk levels. In the sustained oxidative stress assay to study mPTP opening, doxorubicin decreased the time taken to depolarization and hypercontracture, but these effects were delayed in the presence of CsA. Collectively, our data suggest for the first that doxorubicin exacerbates myocardial injury in an ischaemia reperfusion model. If the inhibition of mPTP ameliorates the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin, then more selective inhibitors of mPTP should be further investigated for their utility in patients receiving doxorubicin.

27 Monitoring the levels of the reactive oxygen species on the whole heart and in single cardiomyocytes during ischaemia-reperfusion

ROS production during ischaemia-reperfusion induces mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and so mediates reperfusion injury. Several groups have used real-time fluorescence to determine ROS production by isolated cardiomyocytes during simulated...

Cellular electrophysiological effects of changrolin in isolated rat cardiac myocytes

Changrolin (2, 6-bis[pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl]-4-[quinazolin-4-ylamino] phenol) is an anti-arrhythmic drug derived from β-dichroine, an active component of the Chinese medicinal herb, Dichroa febrifuga Lour. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the anti-arrhythmic effect of changrolin, we used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to characterize the electrophysiological actions of changrolin in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. In this study, changrolin inhibited delayed rectified K + currents ( I K) in a concentration-dependent manner with inhibiting the current by 11.9% ± 4.7%, 27.8% ± 3.4%, 31.5% ± 3.6% and 40.8% ± 3.7% at 10, 30, 100 and 300 μM, respectively ( n = 7–8). Changrolin was less effective against transient outward K + currents ( I to), and only showed significantly inhibitory effect at the highest concentration (300 μM). Changrolin also induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of sodium currents ( I Na) with an IC 50 of 10.19 μM (Hill coefficient = −1.727, n = 6–7). In addition, changrolin exerted a holding potential-dependent block on Na + channels, produced a hyperpolarizing shift in the steady-state inactivation curve, as well as exhibited a marked frequency-dependent component to the blockade of Na + channels. Finally, calcium currents ( I Ca) was decreased by changrolin in a concentration-dependent manner with an estimated IC 50 of 74.73 μM (Hill coefficient = −0.9082, n = 6). In conclusion, changrolin blocks Na + and Ca 2+ channels, and also blocks K + channels ( I to and I K) to some extent. Notably, changrolin preferentially blocks the inactivated state of Na + channels. These effects lead to a modification of electromechanical function and likely contribute to the termination of arrhythmia.

The PPAR‐γ agonist rosiglitazone facilitates Akt rephosphorylation and inhibits apoptosis in cardiomyocytes during hypoxia/reoxygenation

Results on the cardiovascular effects of PPAR-gamma agonists are conflicting. On one hand, it was suggested that the PPAR-gamma agonist rosiglitazone may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. On the other hand, PPAR-gamma agonists reduce myocardial infarct size and improve myocardial function during ischemia/reperfusion in animal studies in vivo. However, the mechanism of this effect is unclear, and it is open if PPAR-gamma agonists have a direct effect on cardiac myocyte survival in ischemia/reperfusion. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the PPAR-gamma agonist rosiglitazone on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis of isolated cardiomyocytes. Isolated rat cardiac myocytes were pretreated with rosiglitazone or vehicle for 30 min before they were subjected to hypoxia for 4 h followed by different times of reoxygenation (5 min to 12 h). Apoptosis was determined by in situ hybridization for DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) as well as detection of cytoplasmic accumulation of histone-associated DNA fragments by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activation of apoptosis regulating intracellular signalling pathways was studied by immunoblotting using phosphospecific antibodies. Rosiglitazone significantly reduced apoptosis of isolated cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation, independently determined with two methods. After 4 h of hypoxia and 12 h of reoxygenation, 34 +/- 3.6% of the vehicle treated cardiac myocytes stained positive for DNA fragmentation in the TUNEL staining. Rosiglitazone treatment reduced this effect by 23% (p < 0.01). Even more pronounced, cytoplasmic accumulation of histone-associated DNA fragments detected by ELISA was reduced by 35% (p < 0.05) in the presence of rosiglitazone. This inhibition of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis was associated with an increased reoxygenation-induced rephosphorylation of the protein kinase Akt, a crucial mediator of cardiomyocyte survival in ischemia/reperfusion of the heart. This effect was reversed by GW-9662, an irreversible PPAR-gamma antagonist. However, rosiglitazone did not alter phosphorylation of the MAP kinases ERK1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It can be concluded that cardiac myocytes are direct targets of PPAR-gamma agonists promoting its survival in ischemia/reperfusion, at least in part by facilitating Akt rephosphorylation. This effect may be of clinical relevance inhibiting the reperfusion-induced injury in patients suffering from myocardial infarction or undergoing cardiac surgery.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate is an important endogenous cardioprotectant released by ischemic pre- and postconditioning

Exogenous sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is an effective cardioprotectant against ischemic injury. We have investigated the hypothesis that S1P is also an important endogenous cardioprotectant released during both ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and ischemic postconditioning (IPOST). IPC of ex vivo rat hearts was instituted by two cycles of 3 min ischemia-5 min reperfusion prior to 40 min of index ischemia and then 40 min of reperfusion. IPC resulted in 70% recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) upon reperfusion and a small infarct size (10%). VPC23019 (VPC), a specific antagonist of S1P(1 and 3) G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), when present during preconditioning blocked protection afforded by two cycles of IPC. VPC also blocked preconditioning of isolated rat cardiac myocytes subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. Increased release of S1P from myocytes in response to IPC was also demonstrated. These data indicate that S1P is released from myocytes in response to IPC and protects by binding to S1P GPCRs. In the ex vivo heart, if a third cycle of IPC was added to increase release of endogenous mediators, then the need for any individual mediator (e.g., S1P) was diminished and VPC had little effect. The adenosine antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline (8-SPT) likewise inhibited protection by two cycles but not three cycles of IPC, but VPC plus 8-SPT inhibited protection by three cycles of IPC. Similar to IPC, IPOST induced by four postindex ischemia cycles of 15 s reperfusion-15 s ischemia resulted in 66% recovery of LVDP and a 7% infarct size. When VPC was present during postconditioning and reperfusion, LVDP only recovered by 26% and the infarct size increased to 27%. Adding an additional cycle of IPOST reduced the inhibitory effect of VPC and 8-SPT individually, but not their combined effect. These studies reveal that S1P is an important mediator of both IPC and IPOST that is released along with adenosine during each cycle of IPC or IPOST.

P-46: Insulin-induced recruitment of GLUT4 and GLUT1 glucose carriers in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Evidence for the existence of different intracellular GLUT4 vesicle populations

P-46: Insulin-induced recruitment of GLUT4 and GLUT1 glucose carriers in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Evidence for the existence of different intracellular GLUT4 vesicle populations

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal Induces Calcium Overload via the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Isolated Rat Cardiac Myocytes

Background It has been reported that that the amount of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), which is a major lipid peroxidation product and a cytotoxic aldehyde, is increased in the human failing myocardium. This study was designed to determine whether HNE has a pro-oxidant effect in cardiac myocytes and whether HNE causes Ca 2+ overload. Methods and Results Exposure to HNE for 10 minutes in the presence of ferric nitrilotriacetate induced the production of hydroxyl radical (·OH) in the rat myocardium as assessed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and HNE induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner as assessed by 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. HNE increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+] i) as assessed by fura-2 ratio in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After 20 minutes of HNE (400 μmol/L) exposure, hypercontracture was induced in 67% of the cells. Catalase, an antioxidative enzyme that can decompose hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2), significantly attenuated the increase in [Ca 2+] i and completely inhibited hypercontracture. Carvedilol, a β-blocker with potent antioxidant activity, also significantly attenuated the increase in [Ca 2+] i and completely inhibited hypercontracture, but propranolol had no effect on either [Ca 2+] i increase or hypercontracture. Conclusions HNE induces the formation of ROS, especially H 2O 2 and ·OH, in cardiomyocytes and subsequently ROS cause intracellular Ca 2+ overload. HNE formation may play an important role as a mediator of oxidative stress in heart failure.

L-Lysine uptake in giant vesicles from cardiac ventricular sarcolemma: two components of cationic amino acid transport

Cationic L-amino acids enter cardiac-muscle cells through carrier-mediated transport. To study this process in detail, L-[(14)C]lysine uptake experiments were conducted within a 10(3)-fold range of L-lysine concentrations in giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from rat cardiac ventricles. Vesicles had a surface-to-volume ratio comparable with that of an epithelial cell, thus representing a suitable system for initial uptake rate studies. Two Na(+)-independent, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive uptake components were found, one with high apparent affinity (K(m)=222+/-71 microM) and low transport capacity (V(max)=121+/-36 pmol/min per mg of vesicle protein) and the other with low apparent affinity (K(m)=16+/-4 mM) and high capacity (V(max)=4.0+/-0.4 nmol/min per mg of vesicle protein). L-Lysine uptake mediated by both components was stimulated by the presence of intravesicular L-lysine as well as by valinomycin-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Altogether, this behaviour is consistent with the functional properties of the CAT-1 and CAT-2A members of the system y(+) family of cationic amino acid transporters. Furthermore, mRNA transcripts for these two carrier proteins were identified in freshly isolated rat cardiac myocytes, the amount of CAT-1 mRNA, relative to beta-actin, being 33-fold larger than that of CAT-2A. These two transporters appear to function simultaneously as a homoeostatic device that supplies cardiac-muscle cells with cationic amino acids under a variety of metabolic conditions. Analysis of two carriers acting in parallel with such an array of kinetic parameters shows significant activity of the low-affinity component even at amino acid plasma levels far below its K(m).

Components of intrinsic fluorescence revealed by Metabolic Modulation Matrix in isolated rat cardiac myocytes

Aim: Recent developments in multi-wavelength fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy brought simultaneous measurement of fluorescence spectra and lifetimes in complex samples, namely cell and tissue intrinsic fluorescence. However, emission spectra of endogenous fluorophores are often superimposed in broad bands over the 400-600 nm wavelength region, making their separation particularly difficult. We therefore present a newly developed method of separation. Based on Metabolic Modulation Matrix approach, this method is built on evaluation of spectral modulation of endogenous fluorescence following changes in the cell metabolic state. Methods: Spectral fingerprints of time-resolved fluorescence are determined in isolated cardiomyocytes after excitation by 375-nm pulsed picosecond laser diode using SPC-830 TCSPC measurement system (Becker-Hickl on Zeiss Axiovert 200). Metabolic modulation was induced by respiratory chain and/or oxidative stress regulators. The number and profiles of the most significant spectral components were identified by time-resolved area-normalized emission spectroscopy and principal component analysis. Results: The Metabolic Modulation Matrix approach applied to time-resolved spectroscopy data in living cardiac cells demonstrated the presence of at least 3 significant spectrally-distinct components of NAD(P)H fluorescence corresponding to: i) NAD(P)H in water-like environment, ii) NAD(P)H in restricted-motion environment and iii) a flavin-type component. Lifetimes, revealed by fluorescence decay analysis showed values of τ1∼0.4 ± 0.1 ns and τ 2∼1.0 ± 0.2 ns for component i), τ ∼3.2 ± 0.8 ns, for component ii), and τ∼2.5-5 ns for component iii). Conclusions: Presented Metabolic Modulation Matrix concept, in conjunction with spectrally-resolved fluorescence lifetime detection of the cell intrinsic fluorescence, is a promising, highly versatile tool for quantitative assessment of oxidative metabolism in living cells.

Fluorescence Imaging Of Ryanodine Receptor And Caveolin Distribution In Cardiac Myocytes At 30 nm Resolution

In cardiac ventricular muscle excitation-contraction coupling arises from Ca2+ release via clusters of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in regions of close apposition between the sarcoplasmic reticulum and surface membranes. The local Ca2+ signalling in these regions depends on the nanometer organization of RyRs and other protein clusters. Until recently, however, optical imaging was thought to be limited to a resolution of ∼250 nm set by the diffraction of light. We have overcome this limitation using a new technique that allows imaging of conventionally labelled fluorescent samples at much higher resolution. Isolated rat cardiac ventricular myocytes were labelled with specific antibodies against cardiac ryanodine receptors and caveolin-3 and secondary antibodies conjugated to the organic fluorochrome Alexa 488. To visualize the distribution of the labelled proteins at the surface sarcolemma cells were imaged on a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. We observed that Alexa 488 (and several other organic fluorophores) exhibit reversible photobleaching with recovery times >10s. This observation provided the basis for a new imaging technique we term reversible photobleaching microscopy (RPM). RPM relies on intense illumination to reversibly induce a very long-lived dark state from which single fluorochromes slowly return stochastically. These single molecule fluorescence events were detected with a sensitive camera and each event could be localized with an accuracy of better than 30 nm. From several thousand frames we thus reconstructed ultra-high-resolution images of the distribution of RyRs and caveolin at the surface sarcolemma of the stained cells. Both proteins formed dense clusters with diameters that were generally much smaller than the diffraction limit. Our new approach is applicable to measure the nanoscale distribution of many proteins of interest in excitation-contraction coupling or other signalling processes.

Regulation of coronary vascular tone via redox modulation in the α1-adrenergic-angiotensin-endothelin axis of the myocardium

We hypothesized that alpha(1)-adrenoceptor stimulation of cardiac myocytes results in the production of an endothelin (ET)-releasing factor that stimulates the coronary vasculature to release ET and, by manipulating the redox state of cardiac and vascular cells, may influence the extent of alpha(1)-adrenergic-ET-1 vasoconstriction. Dihydroethidium (DHE) and dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) intensities were increased by phenylephrine stimulation in isolated rat cardiac myocytes, which were enhanced by the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I inhibitor rotenone (DHE: 20.4 +/- 1.2-fold and DCF: 25.2 +/- 0.9-fold, n = 8, P < 0.01, respectively) but not by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Olmesartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, and enalaprilate did not change DHE and DCF intensities by phenylephrine. Next, we measured the vasoconstriction of isolated, pressurized rat coronary arterioles (diameter: 74 +/- 8 microm) in response to supernatant collected from isolated cardiac myocytes. The addition of supernatant from phenylephrine-stimulated myocytes to a 2-ml vessel bath (n = 8 each) caused volume-dependent vasoconstriction (500 microl: -14.8 +/- 2.2%). Olmesartan and TA0201, an ET type A receptor antagonist, converted vasoconstriction into vasodilation (8.5 +/- 1.2% and 10.5 +/- 0.5%, P < 0.01, respectively) in response to supernatant from phenylephrine-stimulated myocytes, which was eliminated with catalase. Vasoconstriction was weakened using supernatant from phenylephrine with rotenone-treated myocytes. Treatment of arterioles with apocynin to myocyte supernatant converted vasoconstriction into vasodilation (7.8 +/- 0.8%, P < 0.01). These results suggest that alpha(1)-adrenergic stimulation in cardiac myocytes produces angiotensin I and H(2)O(2) and that angiotensin releases ET-1 through NADPH oxidase in coronary arterioles. Thus, coronary vasoconstriction via the alpha-adrenergic-angiotensin-ET axis appears to require redox-mediated signaling in cardiac and vascular cells.

Apelin decreases the SR Ca2+content but enhances the amplitude of [Ca2+]itransient and contractions during twitches in isolated rat cardiac myocytes

Apelin has been reported to have a positive inotropic action in the isolated rat heart. However, the effect of apelin on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content and its influence on intracellular Ca2+ transient during excitation-contraction coupling remains poorly understood. In the present study, we determined the effect of apelin on Ca2+ transient and contractions in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. When compared with control, treatment with apelin caused a 55.7 +/- 13.9% increase in sarcomere fraction shortening and a 43.6 +/- 4.56% increase in amplitude of electrical-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ concentration (E[Ca2+]i) transients (n = 14, P < 0.05). But SR Ca2+ content measured by caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i (C[Ca2+]i) transient was decreased 8.41 +/- 0.92% in response to apelin (n = 14, P < 0.05). Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) function was increased since half-decay time of C[Ca2+]i was decreased 16.22 +/- 1.36% in response to apelin. Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity was also increased by apelin. These responses can be partially or completely blocked by chelerythrine chloride, a PKC inhibitor. In addition, to confirm our data, we used indo-1 as another Ca2+ indicator and rapid cooling as another way to measure SR Ca2+ content, and we observed similar results. So we conclude that apelin has a positive inotropic effect on isolated myocytes, and increased amplitude of E[Ca2+]i is at least partially involved in the mechanism. NCX function and SERCA activity are increased by apelin, and the SR Ca2+ content is decreased by apelin during twitches. PKC played an important role in these signaling mechanisms.

Reversal of effects of acidosis on contraction of rat heart myocytes by CGP-48506

In experiments reported here, we tested the ability of CGP-48506 to reverse the depressed cardiac contractility associated with hypercapnic acidosis in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. CGP-48506 is a cardiotonic agent that directly and specifically promotes the actin-cross-bridge reaction. Myocytes superfused at pH 6.8 demonstrated a significantly reduced extent of cell shortening, but an increase in the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ transient. Moreover, cells in acidosis showed small, but significant, decreases in time to peak shortening to 50 percent relaxation. Superfusion of the cells with 3, 7, and 10 micro-molar CGP-48506 restored the inhibited contractility as a function of concentration with no significant effects on the Ca2+-transient. Moreover, 10 micro-molar CGP-48506 completely reversed the depressed myocyte contraction associated with an increase in time to peak shortening and time to 50 percent and 75 percent relaxation. Our results indicate that the depression of contractility associated with acidosis is due to a reduced myofilament response to Ca2+, which can be overcome by agents working downstream from troponin C through a direct effect on the actin-myosin interaction.