Post-rest Contraction Research Articles

Aerobic Exercise Training Improves Calcium Handling and Cardiac Function in Rats with Heart Failure Resulting from Aortic Stenosis.

Aerobic exercise training (AET) has been used to manage heart disease. AET may totally or partially restore the activity and/or expression of proteins that regulate calcium (Ca2+) handling, optimize intracellular Ca2+ flow, and attenuate cardiac functional impairment in failing hearts. However, the literature presents conflicting data regarding the effects of AET on Ca2+ transit and cardiac function in rats with heart failure resulting from aortic stenosis (AoS). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AET on Ca2+ handling and cardiac function in rats with heart failure due to AoS. Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: control (Sham; n = 61) and aortic stenosis (AoS; n = 44). After 18 weeks, the groups were redistributed into: non-exposed to exercise training (Sham, n = 28 and AoS, n = 22) and trained (Sham-ET, n = 33 and AoS-ET, n = 22) for 10 weeks. Treadmill exercise training was performed with a velocity equivalent to the lactate threshold. The cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiogram, isolated papillary muscles, and isolated cardiomyocytes. During assays of isolated papillary muscles and isolated cardiomyocytes, the Ca2+ concentrations were evaluated. The expression of regulatory proteins for diastolic Ca2+ was assessed via Western Blot. AET attenuated the diastolic dysfunction and improved the systolic function. AoS-ET animals presented an enhanced response to post-rest contraction and SERCA2a and L-type Ca2+ channel blockage compared to the AoS. Furthermore, AET was able to improve aspects of the mechanical function and the responsiveness of the myofilaments to the Ca2+ of the AoS-ET animals. AoS animals presented an alteration in the protein expression of SERCA2a and NCX, and AET restored SERCA2a and NCX levels near normal values. Therefore, AET increased SERCA2a activity and myofilament responsiveness to Ca2+ and improved the cellular Ca2+ influx mechanism, attenuating cardiac dysfunction at cellular, tissue, and chamber levels in animals with AoS and heart failure.

Cardiovascular Harmful Effects of Recommended Daily Doses (13µg/kg/day), Tolerable Upper Intake Doses (0.14mg/kg/day) and Twice the Tolerable Doses (0.28mg/kg/day) of Copper.

Copper is essential for homeostasis and regulation of body functions, but in excess, it is a cardiovascular risk factor since it increases oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to the recommended daily dose (13µg/kg/day), upper tolerable dose (0.14mg/kg/day) and twice the upper tolerable dose (0.28mg/kg/day) via i.p. over 4weeks on the vascular reactivity of aortic rings and the contraction of LV papillary muscles of male Wistar rats. It was also determined whether the antioxidant peptide from egg white hydrolysate (EWH) prevents these effects. Copper exposure at the doses evaluated did not change weight gain of male Wistar rats, the reactivity of the aortic rings or the cardiac mass. The dose of 0.13µg/kg/day did not reduce the force of contraction, but it impaired the time derivatives of force. Doses of 0.14 and 0.28mg/kg/day reduced the force of contraction, the inotropic response to calcium and isoproterenol, the postrest contraction and the peak and plateau of tetanized contractions. EWH treatment antagonized these effects. These results suggest that copper, even at the dose described as upper tolerable, can impair cardiac contraction without altering vascular reactivity. Antioxidative stress therapy with EWH reversed these harmful effects, suggesting a possible strategy for the amelioration of these effects.

Role of the glycemic level on in the functional state of the myocardium in patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Clinical studies show that hyperglycemia is significant factor that worsens the prognosis and course of the cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, there is evidence that an increased level of glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is associated with a better outcome of cardiovascular complications compared to the same patients, but with a normal level of glycemia. Aim To investigate the effect of the glycemia level on the functional state of the myocardium in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and DM2. Methods The study included patients with a chronic CHD associated with DM2, who were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <8%, and 2 - patients with HbA1c ≥8%. The function of the heart, according to echocardiography (Echo-KG) and the contractile properties of trabeculae isolated from the right atrial auricle obtained during coronary bypass surgery were studied. To assess the contractile function of the trabeculae, exposure to periods of rest was used [4]. Post-rest inotropic reaction was evaluated. The level of expression of Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) and ryanodine receptors (RyR2) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was also determined in the patients ' myocardial samples by immunoblotting. Results According to the clinical characteristics, the patients of the groups were comparable, including age and duration of the disease of DM2. According to the Echo-KG data, it was found that in patients of group 1, the values of the end systolic and diastolic volumes, the thickness of the interventricular septum and the mass of the myocardium of the left ventricle (LV) were significantly lower in comparison with the corresponding indicators of patients of group 2. The rate of early LV filling (E) was significantly lower in group 1. At the same time, the rate of rapid LV filling did not have significant differences between groups. The amplitude of post-rest contractions of the trabeculae of patients in both groups was potentiated for short periods of rest, but with an increase in the duration of rest periods, it increased significantly only in group 2. After long periods of rest, the post-rest inotropic response of group 1 patient myocardium was not potentiated. As is known, post-rest potentiation characterizes the function of the SR. So, it is indicates better preservation of SR function in patients with HbA1c ≥8%. This statement is confirmed by the data on the expression of Ca2+ - transporting CP proteins SERCA2a and RyR2. Our studies have shown that the expression level of SERCA2a and RyR2 is significantly higher in the myocardium of patients with HbA1c ≥8% compared to patients with HbA1c <8%. Conclusion In the patients with CHD and DM2, an increased level of HbA1c is associated with better the functional state of the myocardium according to the contractile activity of isolated trabeculae, as well as the whole heart, which associated with higher SERCA2a and RyR2 expression. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Russian Science Foundation

Effects of change in temperature on the cardiac contractility of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) during digestion.

In many reptiles, digestion has been associated with the selection of higher body temperatures, the so-called post-prandial thermophilic response. This study aimed to investigate the excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in postprandial broad-snouted caimans (Caiman latirostris) in response to acute warming within a preferred body temperature range of crocodiles. Isometric preparations subjected to a temperature transition from 25°C to 30°C were used to investigate myocardial contractility of postprandial caimans, that is, 48 h after the animals ingested a rodent meal corresponding to 15% of body mass. The caiman heart exhibits a negative force-frequency relationship that is independent of the temperature. At 25°C, cardiac muscle was able to maintain a constant force up to 36 bpm, above which it decreased significantly, reaching minimum values at the highest frequency of 84 bpm. Moreover, E-C coupling is predominantly dependent on transsarcolemmal Ca2+ transport denoted by the lack of significant ryanodine effects on force generation. On the contrary, ventricular strips at 30°C were able to sustain the cardiac contractility at higher pacing frequencies (from 12 to 144 bpm) due to an important role of Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger in Ca2+ cycling, as indicated by the decay of the post-rest contraction, and a significant contribution of the sarcoplasmic reticulum above 72 bpm. Our results demonstrated that the myocardium of postprandial caimans exhibits a significant degree of thermal plasticity of E-C coupling during acute warming. Therefore, myocardial contractility can be maximized when postprandial broad-snouted caimans select higher body temperatures (preferred temperature zone) following feeding.

Myocardial Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy is Associated with Alterations of Phospholamban Phosphorylation and IL-6 Levels

Decreased cardiac contractility has been observed in cirrhosis, but the mechanisms that initiate and maintain cardiac dysfunction are not entirely understood. We test the hypothesis that cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is related to deterioration of myocardial contractility due to alterations in calcium-handling proteins expression. In addition, we evaluated whether cardiac pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with this process. Cirrhosis was induced by thioacetamide (TAA, 100mg/kg/i.p., twice weekly for eight weeks). The myocardial performance was evaluated in isolated left ventricle papillary muscles under basal conditions and after inotropic challenge. The cardiac calcium handling protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Cardiac TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. Thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis, which was associated with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy characterized by invivo left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction as well as cardiac hypertrophy. Invitro baseline myocardial contractility was lower in cirrhosis. Also, myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus was declined. Protein expression for RYR2, SERCA2, NCX, pPBL Ser16 and L-type calcium channel was quantitatively unchanged; however, pPBL Thr17 was significantly lower while IL-6 was higher. Our study demonstrates that cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is associated with decreased cardiac contractility with alteration of phospholamban phosphorylation in association with higher cardiac pro-inflammatory IL-6 levels. These findings provided molecular and functional insights about the effects of liver cirrhosis on cardiac function.

The association of glycemia level and myocardial functional indices in patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction. The strict control of glycemia does not always lead to positive effects associated with a decrease in cardiovascular complications. Moreover, the combined development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD) makes it challenging to control glycemic levels adequately. Objective. To study the relationship between glycemia and functional myocardial parameters in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods . The study included patients with a diagnosis of chronic coronary artery disease associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We studied the echocardiography-based structural and functional parameters of the heart and the contractile properties of the myocardium in patients ex vivo depending on the level of glycated hemoglobin (НbА1с). The ex vivo studies were performed on trabeculae isolated from the right atrial appendage obtained during coronary artery bypass surgery. The contractile function of trabeculae was assessed based on an extrasystolic effect and a resting effect (post-rest reaction). Results . Patients were divided into two groups according to the HbA1c level: group 1 included patients with HbA1c less than 8%; group 2 comprised patients with HbA1c more than 8%. The main clinical baseline parameters were similar between the groups. The ejection fraction (EF) was higher, whereas the thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) was lower in patients of group 1 compared to the corresponding parameters of group 2. The ex vivo study of myocardial contractility showed that extrasystolic contractions occurred at earlier extrasystolic intervals in patients of group 2, suggesting higher excitability of the cardiomyocyte membranes. At the same time, post-extrasystolic contractions of trabeculae in patients of group 2 had significant potentiation. The amplitude of post-rest trabeculae contractions was potentiated at short rest periods in patients of both groups. However, post-rest contractions significantly increased with an increase in the duration of rest periods only in group 2. Post-rest inotropic response in patients of group 1 did not have any potentiation after long rest periods. Conclusions . The results of this study based on the contractility of isolated trabeculae showed that the increased HbA1c levels are better indicators of the myocardial functional state.

Administration of Losartan Improves Myocardial Functional Performance in Rats with High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity

Extensive evidence has shown that high‐fat diet is associated with chronic activation of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) and left ventricular remodeling. This study was developed to evaluate the impact of angiotensin‐1 (AT1) receptor antagonism on myocardial function in rats with high‐fat diet‐induced obesity.MethodsMale Wistar rats (n=48) were fed a control (2.9 kcal/g, C) or high‐fat (3.6 kcal/g, O) diet for 20 weeks. After the 16th week, the rats were assigned into four groups: C, O, CL, and OL. CL and OL groups received Losartan (30 mg/kg/day) in drinking water during four weeks. At the end of the experiment, body composition and systolic blood pressure were assessed, and echocardiogram analysis was performed. Mechanical performance of papillary muscles was evaluated under basal condition with 2.5 mM calcium ([Ca+2])o and after inotropic stimulation: post‐rest contraction (PRC) and change in extracellular [Ca+2]o from 1.0 to 2.5 mM.ResultsBoth O and OL groups presented higher body weight and adiposity than their respective controls (p<0.05). Systolic blood pressure did not differ among groups. O and OL groups had greater left ventricular weight‐to‐tibia length ratio and posterior wall shortening velocity (C 42.92±4.45; O 48.72±4.81; CL 42.82±3.60; OL 47.96±4.03 mm/s). In papillary muscles evaluation, CL presented reduced negative tension derivative (‐dT/dt) in comparison to the C group at basal condition. After 60 seconds of PRC, both O and CL had lower relative variations in ‐dT/dt (C 55.9±20.9; O 47.1±13.3; CL 47.7±15.9; OL 51.1±14.5%) and peak developed tension than C. Also, OL had higher relative variation in DT than CL and O (C 65.7±23.6; O 56.3±13.9; CL 58.0±17.4; OL 66.4±17.4%), while variation of positive tension derivative (+dT/dt) was increased in OL compared to CL and O groups. After increasing [Ca2+]o to 2.0 and 2.5 mM, the relative variation in DT and +dT/dt were higher in OL than CL and O, respectively. OL showed increased ‐dT/dt in comparison to CL at extracellular calcium concentrations of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mM.ConclusionAngiotensin II antagonism with losartan improves myocardial functional performance in rats with high‐fat diet induced‐obesity.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support: CAPES; CNPq; FUNDECT/MS.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The role of PLC-IP3 cascade on 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) contracture in electrically-driven rat atrial and diaphragmatic strips: new evidence by neomycin and heparin

Induction of cardiac contractures by 4-AP in Ca2+-free medium implied the involvement of SR and PLC-IP3 cascade. Thus, the role of PLC-IP3 cascade against contractile actions of 4-AP in electrically-driven rat atrial and diaphragmatic strips were studied both in the presence, and absence of Ca2+ using neomycin, a PLC inhibitor, and heparin, an IP3-R antagonist. 4-AP was applied cumulatively in logarithmically increasing concentrations in the range of 1-16µg/ml, and the preparations were treated with neomycin (400µM) or heparin (400µg/ml) for 3min prior to 4-AP injection. Post-rest potentiation in atrial strips was obtained by interruption of stimulation for 30min. 4-AP caused biphasic alteration in twitch amplitudes, as initially increased up to 16mM and then depressed due to contracture development, which were not affected significantly by neomycin and heparin. Both atrial and denervated diaphragmatic strips challenged to 4-AP in the presence and absence of Ca2+ developed dose dependent contractures which were significantly antagonized both by neomycin and heparin (p<0.05). Post-rest first contractions in controls were found to be reduced by 2min exposure to 4mM 4-AP and augmented by 3min exposure to heparin alone. 4-AP responses in the presence of neomycin and heparin were significantly higher than with those only treated with 4-AP alone and lesser than controls. Because of the fact that 4-AP inducing contracture in Ca2+-free medium, Ca2+ causing contracture should be of SR in origin. Depending on these results, it was concluded that activation of PLC-IP3 cascade by 4-AP is involved in the mediation of contracture and contractile actions of this molecule.

Influence of Amiodarone and Dronedarone on the Force-Interval Dependence of Rat Myocardium.

The antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone and its analogue dronedarone is caused by their direct actions on several cardiomyocyte sarcolemmal ion currents. However, whether their effects are related to intracellular calcium levels is not exactly known. Ca2+ cycling refers to the release and reuptake of intracellular Ca2+, which induces muscle contraction and relaxation and determines the force-interval dependence. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of amiodarone and dronedarone on the force-interval relationship. Materials and Results. The work was performed on the papillary muscles of the left ventricle of male Wistar rats. Muscle perfusion was performed at 36.5°C with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution with baseline stimulation 0.5 Hz. The postrest test (4-60 s) and the extrasystolic exposure (0.2-1.5 s) were evaluated. Inotropic reaction to the test exposure was evaluated before and after muscle perfusion with solution containing amiodarone (10−6 M) or dronedarone (10−6 M) during 10 min. Amiodarone or dronedarone led to decrease of the amplitude of extrasystolic contractions of the papillary muscles. The amplitude of postextrasystolic contractions after short extrasystolic intervals on the background of the drugs was increased. Amiodarone and dronedarone led to increase of the amplitude of postrest contractions. Conclusions. Dronedarone reduces the excitability of cardiomyocyte sarcolemma to a greater extent than amiodarone. Amiodarone and dronedarone are able to increase postextrasystolic and postrest potentiation. The effect of amiodarone on postextrasystolic and postrest potentiation is more pronounced in comparison with dronedarone.

Effects of exercise training on excitation-contraction coupling, calcium dynamics and protein expression in the heart of the Neotropical fish Brycon amazonicus

Matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) is a great swimming performance teleost fish from the Amazon basin. However, the possible cardiac adaptations of this ability are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of prolonged exercise (EX group - 60days under 0.4BL·s−1) on ventricular contractility by (i) in-vitro analysis of contractility comparing the relative roles of sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling and (ii) molecular analysis of NCX, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) and phospholamban (PLB) expression and quantification. The exercise training significantly improved twitch tension, cardiac pumping capacity and the contraction rate when compared to controls (CT). Inhibition of the NCX function, replacing Na+ by Li+ in the physiological solutions, diminished cardiac contractility in the EX group, reduced all analyzed parameters under both high and low stimulation frequencies. The SR blockage, using 10μM ryanodine, caused ~50% tension reduction in CT at most analyzed frequencies while in EX, reductions (34–54%) were only found at higher frequencies. SR inhibition also decreased contraction and relaxation rates in both groups. Additionally, higher post-rest contraction values were recorded for EX, indicating an increase in SR Ca2+ loading. Higher NCX and PLB expression rates and lower SERCA2 rates were found in EX. Our data indicate that matrinxã presents a modulation in E-C coupling after exercise-training, enhancing the SR function under higher frequencies. This was the first study to functionally analyze the effects of swimming-induced exercise on fish cardiac E-C coupling.

Effects of early aldosterone antagonism on cardiac remodeling in rats with aortic stenosis-induced pressure overload

Aldosterone plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of systolic heart failure. However, whether early aldosterone antagonism improves cardiac remodeling during persistent pressure overload is unsettled. We evaluated the effects of aldosterone antagonist spironolactone on cardiac remodeling in rats with ascending aortic stenosis (AS). MethodsThree days after inducing AS, weaning rats were randomized to receive spironolactone (AS-SPR, 20mg/kg/day) or no drug (AS) for 18weeks, and compared with sham-operated rats. Myocardial function was studied in isolated left ventricular (LV) papillary muscles. Statistical analyses: ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests. ResultsEchocardiogram showed that LV diastolic (Sham 8.73±0.57; AS 8.30±1.10; AS-SPR 9.19±1.15mm) and systolic (Sham 4.57±0.67; AS 3.61±1.49; AS-SPR 4.62±1.48mm) diameters, left atrial diameter (Sham 5.80±0.44; AS 7.15±1.22; AS-SPR 8.02±1.17mm), and LV mass were higher in AS-SPR than AS. Posterior wall shortening velocity (Sham 38.5±3.8; AS 35.6±5.6; AS-SPR 31.1±3.8mm/s) was lower in AS-SPR than Sham and AS; E/A ratio was higher in AS-SPR than Sham. Developed tension was lower in AS and AS-SPR than Sham. Time to peak tension was higher in AS-SPR than Sham and AS after post-rest contraction. Right ventricle weight was higher in AS-SPR than AS, suggesting more severe heart failure in AS-SPR than AS. Interstitial collagen fractional area and myocardial hydroxyproline concentration were higher in AS than Sham. Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activity, evaluated by zymography, did not differ between groups. ConclusionEarly spironolactone administration causes further hypertrophy in cardiac chambers, and left ventricular dilation and dysfunction in rats with AS-induced chronic pressure overload.

Cardiac Dysfunction Induced by Obesity Is Not Related to β-Adrenergic System Impairment at the Receptor-Signalling Pathway.

Obesity has been shown to impair myocardial performance. Some factors have been suggested as responsible for possible cardiac abnormalities in models of obesity, among them beta-adrenergic (βA) system, an important mechanism of regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation. The objective of present study was to evaluate the involvement of βA system components in myocardial dysfunction induced by obesity. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed in control (C, n = 25) and obese (Ob, n = 25) groups. The C group was fed a standard diet and Ob group was fed four unsaturated high-fat diets for 15 weeks. Cardiac function was evaluated by isolated papillary muscle preparation and βA system evaluated by using cumulative concentrations of isoproterenol and Western blot. After 15 weeks, the Ob rats developed higher adiposity index than C rats and several comorbidities; however, were not associated with changes in systolic blood pressure. Obesity caused structural changes and the myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus and increased extracellular calcium (Ca2+) was compromised. There were no changes in cardiac function between groups after βA stimulation. The obesity was not accompanied by changes in protein expression of G protein subunit alpha (Gsα) and βA receptors (β1AR and β2AR). In conclusion, the myocardial dysfunction caused by unsaturated high-fat diet-induced obesity, after 15 weeks, is not related to βAR system impairment at the receptor-signalling pathway.

A single resistance exercise session improves myocardial contractility in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Resistance training evokes myocardial adaptation; however, the effects of a single resistance exercise session on cardiac performance are poorly understood or investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single resistance exercise session on the myocardial contractility of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male 3-month-old SHRs were divided into two groups: control (Ct) and exercise (Ex). Control animals were submitted to sham exercise. Blood pressure was measured in conscious rats before the exercise session to confirm the presence of arterial hypertension. Ten minutes after the exercise session, the animals were anesthetized and killed, and the hearts were removed. Cardiac contractility was evaluated in the whole heart by the Langendorff technique and by isometric contractions of isolated left ventricular papillary muscles. SERCA2a, phospholamban (PLB), and phosphorylated PLB expression were investigated by Western blot. Exercise increased force development of isolated papillary muscles (Ex=1.0±0.1 g/mg vs Ct=0.63±0.2 g/mg, P<0.05). Post-rest contraction was greater in the exercised animals (Ex=4.1±0.4% vs Ct=1.7±0.2%, P<0.05). Papillary muscles of exercised animals developed greater force under increasing isoproterenol concentrations (P<0.05). In the isolated heart, exercise increased left ventricular isovolumetric systolic pressure (LVISP; Δ +39 mmHg; P<0.05) from baseline conditions. Hearts from the exercised rats presented a greater response to increasing diastolic pressure. Positive inotropic intervention to calcium and isoproterenol resulted in greater LVISP in exercised animals (P<0.05). The results demonstrated that a single resistance exercise session improved myocardial contractility in SHRs.

Exposure to a Low Lead Concentration Impairs Contractile Machinery in Rat Cardiac Muscle.

Lead exposure has been considered to be a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of low plasma lead concentration on cardiac contractility in isolated papillary muscles. Wistar rats were divided in control group or group treated with 100 ppm of lead acetate in the drinking water for 15 days. Blood pressure (BP) was measured weekly. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized, and parameters related to isolated papillary muscle contractility were recorded. The lead concentrations in the blood reached 12.3 ± 2 μg/dL. The BP was increased in the group treated with 100 ppm of lead acetate. Lead treatment did not alter force and time derivatives of the force of left ventricular papillary muscles. In addition, the inotropic response induced by an increase in the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration was reduced in the Pb(2+) group. However, the uptake of Ca(2+) by the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the protein expression of SERCA and phospholamban remained unchanged. Postrest contraction was similar in the both groups, and tetanic peak and plateau tension were reduced in lead group. These results demonstrated that the reduction in the inotropic response to calcium does not appear to be caused by changes in the trans-sarcolemmal calcium flux but suggest that an impairment of the contractile machinery might be taking place. Our results demonstrate that even at a concentration below the limit considered to be safe, lead exerts deleterious effects on the cardiac contractile machinery.

Obesity Resistance Promotes Mild Contractile Dysfunction Associated with Intracellular Ca2+ Handling.

BackgroundDiet-induced obesity is frequently used to demonstrate cardiac dysfunction. However, some rats, like humans, are susceptible to developing an obesity phenotype, whereas others are resistant to that.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between obesity resistance and cardiac function, and the impact of obesity resistance on calcium handling.MethodsThirty-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups, each with 54 animals: control (C; standard diet) and obese (four palatable high-fat diets) for 15 weeks. After the experimental protocol, rats consuming the high-fat diets were classified according to the adiposity index and subdivided into obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR). Nutritional profile, comorbidities, and cardiac remodeling were evaluated. Cardiac function was assessed by papillary muscle evaluation at baseline and after inotropic maneuvers.ResultsThe high-fat diets promoted increase in body fat and adiposity index in OP rats compared with C and OR rats. Glucose, lipid, and blood pressure profiles remained unchanged in OR rats. In addition, the total heart weight and the weight of the left and right ventricles in OR rats were lower than those in OP rats, but similar to those in C rats. Baseline cardiac muscle data were similar in all rats, but myocardial responsiveness to a post-rest contraction stimulus was compromised in OP and OR rats compared with C rats.ConclusionObesity resistance promoted specific changes in the contraction phase without changes in the relaxation phase. This mild abnormality may be related to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Abstract 155: Cardiac Function And Calcium Handling in Obesity-Resistant rats

Experimental studies have demonstrated that obesity induced by different types of high-fat and/or high-energy diets also lead to myocardial dysfunction. Nevertheless, few studies have evaluated the myocardial function in obesity-resistant rats. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the participation of calcium (Ca 2+ ) handling on cardiac function in this model remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate in rodent model of obesity-resistant. In addition, as obesity-resistant group is fed a high-fat diet but did not become obese, this study tested whether obesity-resistant model develops cardiac abnormalities and impairment of calcium handling as obesity-prone. Male 30-day-old Wistar rats were fed standard (C) and alternately four palatable unsaturated high-fat diets (Ob) for 15 weeks. After experimental protocol, Ob rats consuming the unsaturated high-fat diets were ranked based on adiposity index. Rats on the unsaturated high-fat diets exhibiting the greatest adiposity index were referred to as OP, whereas those exhibiting the lowest adiposity index were referred to as OR. Obesity was determined by adiposity index and comorbidities were evaluated. Myocardial function was evaluated in isolated left ventricle papillary muscles under basal conditions and after inotropic and lusitropic maneuvers. After 15 weeks, final body weight, total body fat, adiposity index, triglycerides levels and heart weight were significantly greater in OP rats than C and OR rats, however, there was no change in systolic blood pressure between groups. The C, OP and OR muscles developed similar baseline data, but myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus was compromised in OP rats. In conclusion, obesity-resistant model by unsaturated high-fat diet, after 15 weeks, does not display nutritional and metabolic characteristics of obesity-prone. Furthermore, obesity-resistant does not promote cardiac abnormalities and impairment of calcium handling visualized in obesity-prone.

Abstract 156: Involvement of β-adrenergic System in Myocardial Dysfunction Induced by Obesity

Several structural and functional changes of the heart have often been associated with human and experimental models of obesity. Some factors have been suggested as responsible for possible cardiac abnormalities in models of obesity, among them β-adrenergic system, an important mechanism of regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation. The objetive of present study was to evaluate the . Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were assigned to one of two groups: control (C) and obese (Ob). The C group was fed a standard diet and Ob group was fed cycles of four unsaturated high-fat diets for 15 weeks. The body fat was measured from the sum of the individual fat pad weights and the obesity was defined by adiposity index. Isolated papillary muscle preparation was performed under basal conditions and after inotropic and lusitropic maneuvers. β-adrenergic system was evaluated by using cumulative concentrations of isoproterenol and Western Blot. After 15 weeks, the Ob rats developed higher adiposity index than C rats. Obesity promoted comorbities such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia, and dyslipidemia; however, were not associated with changes in systolic blood pressure. The cardiac structure results post-death showed that obesity caused cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, Ob muscles developed similar baseline data, but myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus and increased extracellular Ca2+ was compromised. There were no changes in cardiac function between groups after β-adrenergic stimulation. The obesity was not accompanied by changes in protein expression of Gsα, β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, the myorcardial dysfunction caused by unsaturated high-fat diet-induced obesity, after 15 weeks, is not related to β-adrenergic system impairment.

Obesity Preserves Myocardial Function During Blockade of the Glycolytic Pathway

BackgroundObesity is defined by excessive accumulation of body fat relative to lean tissue. Studies during the last few years indicate that cardiac function in obese animals may be preserved, increased or diminished.ObjectiveStudy the energy balance of the myocardium with the hypothesis that the increase in fatty acid oxidation and reduced glucose leads to cardiac dysfunction in obesity.Methods30-day-old male Wistar rats were fed standard and hypercaloric diet for 30 weeks. Cardiac function and morphology were assessed. In this paper was viewed the general characteristics and comorbities associated to obesity. The structure cardiac was determined by weights of the heart and left ventricle (LV). Myocardial function was evaluated by studying isolated papillary muscles from the LV, under the baseline condition and after inotropic and lusitropic maneuvers: myocardial stiffness; postrest contraction; increase in extracellular Ca2+ concentration; change in heart rate and inhibitor of glycolytic pathway.ResultsCompared with control group, the obese rats had increased body fat and co-morbities associated with obesity. Functional assessment after blocking iodoacetate shows no difference in the linear regression of DT, however, the RT showed a statistically significant difference in behavior between the control and the obese group, most notable being the slope in group C.ConclusionThe energy imbalance on obesity did not cause cardiac dysfunction. On the contrary, the prioritization of fatty acids utilization provides protection to cardiac muscle during the inhibition of glycolysis, suggesting that this pathway is fewer used by obese cardiac muscle.

Acute exposure to lead increases myocardial contractility independent of hypertension development

We studied the effects of the acute administration of small doses of lead over time on hemodynamic parameters in anesthetized rats to determine if myocardial contractility changes are dependent or not on the development of hypertension. Male Wistar rats received 320 µg/kg lead acetate iv once, and their hemodynamic parameters were measured for 2 h. Cardiac contractility was evaluated in vitro using left ventricular papillary muscles as were Na+,K+-ATPase and myosin Ca2+-ATPase activities. Lead increased left- (control: 112 ± 3.7 vs lead: 129 ± 3.2 mmHg) and right-ventricular systolic pressures (control: 28 ± 1.2 vs lead: 34 ± 1.2 mmHg) significantly without modifying heart rate. Papillary muscles were exposed to 8 µM lead acetate and evaluated 60 min later. Isometric contractions increased (control: 0.546 ± 0.07 vs lead: 0.608 ± 0.06 g/mg) and time to peak tension decreased (control: 268 ± 13 vs lead: 227 ± 5.58 ms), but relaxation time was unchanged. Post-pause potentiation was similar between groups (n = 6 per group), suggesting no change in sarcoplasmic reticulum activity, evaluated indirectly by this protocol. After 1-h exposure to lead acetate, the papillary muscles became hyperactive in response to a β-adrenergic agonist (10 µM isoproterenol). In addition, post-rest contractions decreased, suggesting a reduction in sarcolemmal calcium influx. The heart samples treated with 8 µM lead acetate presented increased Na+,K+-ATPase (approximately 140%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) and myosin ATPase (approximately 30%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) activity. Our results indicated that acute exposure to low lead concentrations produces direct positive inotropic and lusitropic effects on myocardial contractility and increases the right and left ventricular systolic pressure, thus potentially contributing to the early development of hypertension.

Estresse crônico melhora a função miocárdica sem alterar a atividade do canal-L para Ca+2 em ratos

Chronic stress is associated with cardiac remodeling; however the mechanisms have yet to be clarified. The purpose of this study was test the hypothesis that chronic stress promotes cardiac dysfunction associated to L-type calcium Ca2+ channel activity depression. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats (70 - 100 g) were distributed into two groups: control (C) and chronic stress (St). The stress was consistently maintained at immobilization during 15 weeks, 5 times per week, 1h per day. The cardiac function was evaluated by left ventricular performance through echocardiography and by ventricular isolated papillary muscle. The myocardial papillary muscle activity was assessed at baseline conditions and with inotropic maneuvers such as: post-rest contraction and increases in extracellular Ca2+ concentration, in presence or absence of specific blockers L-type calcium channels. The stress was characterized for adrenal glands hypertrophy, increase of systemic corticosterone level and arterial hypertension. The chronic stress provided left ventricular hypertrophy. The left ventricular and baseline myocardial function did not change with chronic stress. However, it improved the response of the papillary muscle in relation to positive inotropic stimulation. This function improvement was not associated with the L-type Ca2+ channel. Chronic stress produced cardiac hypertrophy; however, in the study of papillary muscle, the positive inotropic maneuvers potentiated cardiac function in stressed rats, without involvement of L-type Ca2+ channel. Thus, the responsible mechanisms remain unclear with respect to Ca2+ influx alterations.