Proteomic study of myocardial mitochondria with ischemia/reperfusion injury and pinacidil postconditioning in isolated rat hearts

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of pinacidil postconditioning on rat myocardium suffering ischemia/reperfusion injury by mitochondrial proteomics. METHODS: Langendorff apparatus was used to establish the model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: pinacidil postconditioning group (Pina group) and ischemia/reperfusion injury group (I/R group). After 20 min of perfusion with K-H solution, the perfusion was suspended for 40-min (global ischemia) follow by 60 min of reperfusion in I/R group. In Pina group at the end of 40 min global ischemia, the isolated hearts were perfused with K-H solution containing pinacidil (50 μmol/L) for 2 min followed 58-min perfusion with regular K-H solution. Total proteins extracted from the mitochondria were applied to the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The differentially expressed protein spots over 2 times were evaluated by a software. Then they were subjected to in-gel digestion, and analyzed by spectrometry. RESULTS: The expression levels of NDUFA10, NDUFS2 and NDUFV2 were elevated but those of IDHA and ECH1 were decreased in Pina group compared with I/R group. Interestingly, 2 spots in the 2-DE map were identified as ATPase subunit δ. The expression levels of one spot was elevated, while the other was decreased. CONCLUSION: Pinacidil postconditioning may decrease the degree of increased expression levels of NDUFA10, NDUFS2 and NDUFV2, promote the expression of IDHA and ECH1, and induce the phosphorylation of ATPase subunit δ, which may be related to the protective mechanism of pinacidil postconditioning.     

Effects of diazoxide preconditioning on mitochondrial respiratory function and enzyme activity in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of the selective mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels opener diazoxide on mitochondrial respiratory function and enzyme activity in isolated rat myocardium under ischemia/reperfusion.METHODS: Observation was made on rat hearts perfused with Langendorff apparatus.72 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal group (NOR),ischemia reperfusion (IR),diazoxide group (DIA) and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) antagonized diazoxide group (5HD-DIA).Hearts isolated from SD rats were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and started with a 20 min perfusion for equilibration.NOR went on perfusion for another 100 min after equilibration.IR underwent 40 min global ischemia and followed by 30 min reperfusion after 30 min stabilization.DIA was administered with K-H solution containing diazoxide at concentration of 50 μmol/L for 10 min before ischemia and reperfusion.5HD-DIA was infused with 100 μmol/L 5-HD (a specific mitochondrial ATP sensitive K+ channel blocker) and the same procedure was carried out as DIA group.Hearts were taken down to extract mitochondrial at the end-equation,before ischemia and at the end-reperfusion for determination of mitochondrial respiratory function and the enzyme activity of mitochondria.RESULTS: At the end of reperfusion,mitochondrial respiratory function (mitochondrial respiratory control rate,P/O ratio and state 3 respiration) and mitochondrial enzyme activity (NADH oxidase,succinate oxidase and cytochrome C oxidase) in DIA group were better than those in IR group and 5HD-DIA group (P<0.05),but worse than those NOR group (P<0.01).No significant difference in all parameters was observed between IR and 5HD-DIA (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel opener,diazoxide,protects rat heart mitochondria against ischemia-reperfusion injury.The mechanisms are involved in the safeguarding of respiratory function and activity of enzymes of respiratory chain.     

Effect of ischemic post-conditioning on myocardial mitochondrial function in isolated rat heart

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of ischemic post-conditioning on isolated rat myocardial mitochondrial function during ischemia/reperfusion, and to study the role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK_ATP) in myocardial protection. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into 4 groups (n=8 in each group): control group (C), model group (M), ischemic post-conditioning group (IPO) and 5-hydroxydecanoate plus IPO group (5-HD+IPO). The hearts isolated from the SD rats were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and started with a 20-minute perfusion for equilibration. In C group, the hearts went on perfusion for another 70 min after equilibration. In M group, 4 ℃ St. Thomas cardioplegic solution was administered prior to ischemia, followed by ischemia for 40-minute, and reperfusion for another 30 min. In IPO group, the hearts underwent 40-minute global ischemia after equilibration, then perfusion for 10 s and ischemia for another 10 s. The procedure was repeated 6 times before 28-minute reperfusion. In 5-HD+IPO group, the hearts were perfused with 5-HD (100 μmol/L in K-H solution) and treated as that in IPO group, then reperfusion for 23 min. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and respiratory function of myocardial mitochondria were measured at the ends of equilibration and reperfusion. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the data collected at the end of equilibrium, the MMP was obviously decreased at the end of reperfusion in all groups, The highest in C group. MMP in 5-HD+IPO group was markedly higher than that in IPO group and M group. MMP in IPO group was higher than that in M group. (2) In contrast to that at the end of equilibrium, ROS was obviously increased at the end of reperfusion in all groups. However, ROS was observably higher in M group than that in the other 3 groups, and ROS in 5-HD+IPO group was markedly higher than that in IPO group and C group. ROS in IPO group was higher than that in C group. (3) The respiratory function of mitochondria was obviously injured at the end of reperfusion in all groups. The arrangement of the mitochondrial respiratory function from the best to the worse was C group > IPO group > 5-HD+IPO group > M group. CONCLUSION: Ischemic post-conditioning attenuates myocardial reperfusion injury by maintaining the stability of MMP, decreasing the generation of ROS and preserving the respiratory chain function of mitochondria. The mitoK_ATP antagonist 5-HD can not completely block the myocardial protective effect of ischemic post-conditioning. Myocardial protective effect of ischemic post-conditioning may achieve by activating mitoK_ATP, meanwhile the other factors may also take part in the myocardial protective processes.     

Effects of urocortin-I preconditioning on myocardial mitochondrial respiratory function and enzyme activity in rats

ATM: To investigate the influence of urocortin-I (Ucn I) preconditioning on the myocardial mitochondrial respiratory function and enzyme activity in the rats with ischemia reperfusion, and to observe the changes of ATP content in the myocardial cells. METHODS: (1) The healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal group (Nor group), ischemia reperfusion group (IR group), Ucn I preconditioning group (Ucn I group), 5-hydroxy acid (5-HD)+Ucn I group. Langendorff perfusion was used to establish the in vitro model of cardiac ischemia reperfusion. At the end of the balance (T₁), before ischemia (T₂) and at the end of the reperfusion (T₃) respectively, the myocardial mitochondria was extracted, the mitochondrial respiratory function and respiratory enzyme activity in each group were determined. (2) The method of MPA isolated heart perfusion was used to isolate myocardial cells of the adult rats. After cultured for 24 h, myocardial cells were divided into 4 groups:Nor group, hypoxia/reoxygenation group (I/R group), Ucn I group, 5-HD+Ucn I group. Hypoxia/reoxygenation model of myocardial cells was established. At the end of reoxygenation, the changes of myocardial ATP content were measured by high performance liquid chromatography.RESULTS: (1) Compared with T₁, T₂ time points, the respiratory function (state 3 respiratory rate, respiratory control rate) and NADH oxidase, succinate oxidase and cytochrome C oxidase activities at T₃ time point were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in all groups except Nor group. At T₃ time point, the myocardial mitochondrial respiratory function and respiratory enzyme activity in Ucn I group were superior to 5-HD+Ucn I group and IR group (P<0.05), but was inferior to Nor group (P<0.05). At T₃ time point, the respiratory function of myocardial mitochondria and respiratory enzyme activities (NADH oxidase, succinate oxidase) in 5-HD+Ucn I group were better than those in IR group (P<0.05), but no statistical difference of the cytochrome C oxidase activity between the 2 groups was observed. The respiratory function and 3 kinds of respiratory enzyme activities at T₁, T₂ time points had no statistical change. (2) At the end of the reoxygenation, the myocardial ATP content in Nor group was higher than that in other groups (P<0.01). The myocardial ATP contents in I/R group and 5-HD+Ucn I group were lower than that in Ucn I group (P<0.05). In additon, 5-HD+Ucn I group was higher ATP content compared with I/R group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ucn I preconditioning attenuates the ischemia/reperfusion induced damages of myocardial mitochondrial respiratory function and respiratory enzyme activity, thus ensuring the myocardial ATP contents under the condition of hypoxia/reoxygenation.     

Cardioprotection of ischemic postconditioning against ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

AIM: To investigate the protective role of postconditioning in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats and its mechanisms. METHODS: Cardiac contractility was analyzed by the Langendorff method. Infarct size was determined by dual staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Even's blue dye, and the cardiac arrhythmia was evaluated. postconditioning was conducted by 3 cycles of 30 s ischemia followed by 30 s of reperfusion at the beginning of subsequent persistent reperfusion. RESULTS: Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and maximal rise rate of ventricular pressure (+dp/dt_max) were higher during reperfusion in postconditioning group compared with control. postconditioning reduced the infarct size in ischemia/reperfusion rat hearts. The cardiac arrhythmia score was decreased in postconditioning group in the first 10 min of reperfusion followed by ischemia compared to control group. postconditioning had similar cardioprotective effect as preconditioning. 5-HD, a selective mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK_ATP) inhibitor, blocked the amelioration of contract function provided by postconditioning. It also abolished the protective effect of postconditioning on cardiac arrhythmia score and infarct size. CONCLUSION: The results show that postconditioning has cardioprotective effect and attenuates reperfusion injury in ischemic heart. The effect might be partly through the activation of mitoK_ATP channel.     

Protection of Glycyl-L-Glutamine against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated rat heart

AIM: To study the protection of Glycyl-L-Glutamine(Gly-Gln) against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury in the isolated rat heart.METHODS: A model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was established with a Langendorff apparatus. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, Gly-Gln group, I/R group and I/R+Gly-Gln group. Both I/R and I/R+Gly-Gln group were pre-perfused for 30 min, followed by 20 min ischemia and 40 min reperfusion. During reperfusion I/R+Gly-Gln group was perfused with Gly-Gln perfusate. Control group was kept perfused for 90 min. Gly-Gln group Gly-Gln perfusate was also kept perfused for 90 min. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), ±dp/dtmax, heart rate (HR), monophasic action potentials(MAP) was measured during perfusion. The coronary effluent fluid was collected at different certain times. The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase(CK) were determined.RESULTS: The isolated rat heart function decreased severely after 20 min ischemia and 40 min reperfusion(I/R): the LVEDP increased and the LVDP, ±dp/dtmax decreased. But the LVEDP decreased and the LVDP, ±dp/dtmax increased in I/R+Gly-Gln group compared with I/R group. Moreover, the activities of LDH and CK in the coronary effluent fluid decreased remarkably in I/R+Gly-Gln group compared with I/R group.CONCLUSION: Gly-Gln can play a protective role against myocardial I/R injury in isolated rat hearts via maintaining the left ventricular function and decreasing the release of LDH and CK.     

Role of mitochondrial KATP channels in cardioprotection of hyperpolarized cardioplegia

AIM:To study the protective effect of hyperpolarized cardioplegic arrest on reperfused rat heart performance and to investigate the role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels (mitoKATP) opening in the protection of hyperpolarized cardioplegia against ischemia/reperfusion damage. METHODS:Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups (n=8 in each group): control group (Con); depolarized arrest group (D); hyperpolarized arrest group (H); depolarized cardioplegia with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) group (5HD+D); hyperpolarized cardioplegia with 5-HD group (5HD+H). The rat hearts were quickly removed to Langendorff apparatus. The heart perfusion was performed for 20 min with 37 ℃ Krebs-Henseleit buffer balanced with gas mixture (O2∶〖KG-*2〗CO2=95%∶〖KG-*2〗5%) at 5.8 kPa perfusion pressure, then cardial arrest was induced by different cardioplegic solution. Hearts were subjected to ischemia at 37 ℃ for 40 min followed by 30 min reperfusion. (1) The hemodynamics was detected at recovery after 30 min reperfusion. (2) Before ischemia and at the end-reperfusion, tissue was harvested for mitochondrial isolation and ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). (3) Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also determined at different time points. RESULTS:(1) Compared with end-equilibration, 30 min reperfusion caused significant differences in left ventricular developed pressure (LADP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), double product (DP), heart rate (HR), coronary flow (CF) (P<0.01). TEM showed that the ultrastructures of myocardial and mitochondrial were damaged remarkably. (2) When H group was compared with D, 5HD+H and Con group, significant differences were found in LVDP, LVEDP, DP, HR and CF (P<0.01). TEM showed that the myocardial and mitochondrial ultrastructures were improved remarkably. (3) The rate of ROS generating was lower in group H than that in other four groups at end-reperfusion (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:(1) Of the four cardioplegias, hyperpolarized cardioplegia is superior to improve myocardial performance, attenuates myocardial and mitochondrial injury, and reduces rate of ROS generating. (2) Mitochondrial preservation is one of mechanisms of myocardial protection in hyperpolarized cardioplegia, opening of mitoKATP enhances cardioprotection through decreasing ROS generating, providing better energe supply for reperfused myocardium.     

Inhibitory effect of ginkgo-dipyridamole injection on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat hearts in vitro

AIM：To investigate the effect of ginkgo-dipyridamole injection (GD) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat hearts in vitro and its possible mechanism. METHODS：Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=8): normal control (NC) group, I/R group, ischemic preconditioning (IPC)+I/R group, GD+I/R group and GD+LaCl3+I/R group. Cardiac function indexes, including heart rate (HR), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and the maximal rise/fall rate of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax), were detected at 5 time points, including stabilizing point, 30 min after ischemia, and 5, 30 and 60 min after reperfusion. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in coronary effluent at the five time points was assayed. The concentration of Ca2+ and the content of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-OGDH) in myocardial mitochondria were determined at the end of the whole experiment. RESULTS：Compared with I/R group, the cardiac function indexes in IPC+I/R and GD+I/R groups were improved at the reperfusion period (P<0.05), the activity of LDH and CK in coronary effluent and the concentration of Ca2+ in mitochondria were significant reduced (P<0.01), and the content of α-OGDH was increased (P<0.05). However, the protective effect of GD was inhibited by LaCl3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：GD protects rat hearts against I/R injury by inhibiting calcium overload and improving mitochondrial enzyme activity to stabilize mitochondrial energy metabolism.     

Effects of simulated ischemia/reperfusion on spontaneous action potentials in primary cultured sinoatrial node cells and the influence of pinacidil

AIM: To study the effects of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) on primary cultured sinoatrial node (SAN) cells and the influence of pinacidil (a K_ATP channel activator). METHODS: The SAN cells were isolated from newborn rats and purified. The 48 h cultured cells were cultivated in following mediums: simulated reperfusion solution as normal control, simulated ischemia/reperfusion solution (I/R), Pinacidil+I/R (P+I/R), 5-HD+P+I/R and 5-HD+I/R. Spontaneous action potentials were recorded by ruptured-patch whole-cell technique in current clamp (I=0) and the maximum diastolic potential (MDP), upstroke velocity (UV), action potential overshoot (APO), interbeat interval (IBI) and action potential durations at 50% repolarization (APD₅₀) were measured. RESULTS: Compared with control group, simulated ischemia/reperfusion shorten APD₅₀, reduced UV, MDP and APO. Exposed to pinacidil, MDP of cells in I/R groups was hyperpolarized; IBI, UV and APO were increased; APD₅₀ was shorten. 5-HD couldn't block the effects of pinacdil on APD₅₀, IBI and MDP, but reversed its actions on increasing UV and APO. CONCLUSIONS: Pinacidil made changes of AP in I/R group by opening different K_ATP channels of SAN cells. The role of this changes on protection in SAN cells during ischemia/reperfusion requires further investigation.     

Effects of remifentanil on monophasic action potential and transmural dispersion of repolarization in rabbit myocardium

AIM: To study the effect of remifentanil on monophasic action potential and transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) in the 3-layer myocardium of isolated rabbit hearts. METHODS: Adult rabbits (n=18, 2.0 ~ 2.5 kg) were used to isolate the hearts for preparing Langendorff perfusion model. The hearts were randomly divided into 3 groups after perfusion with K-H solution for 15 min: the perfusion in control group (C group) continued for 60 min; the hearts in remifentanil group (R group) were perfused with 12 μg/L remifentanil K-H solution for 60 min; the hearts in remifentanil+aminophylline group (RA group) were given 60-min perfusion of 12 μg/L K-H remifentanil+30 mg/L aminophylline. The HR and 3 layers of myocardial monophasic action potential (MAP) in the left ventricular anterior wall were recorded at time points after balanced infusion for 15 min (T₀), and continued perfusion for 15 min (T₁), 30 min (T₂) and 60 min (T₃). The monophasic action potential duration of repolarization at 90% (MAPD₉₀) and the transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) were calculated. The early afterdepolarization, delay afterdepolarization and arrhythmia were also observed. RESULTS: In R group, slower HR and prolonger MAPD₉₀ and TDR at T₁~T₃ were observed as compared with those at T₀ (P<0.05). R group showed slower HR and longer MAPD₉₀ and TDR than C group and RA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Remifentanil slows the HR, extends the MAPD₉₀ and increases the TDR, thus being prone to induce reentry. Aminophylline makes HR faster and MAPD₉₀ shorter, thereby reducing the TDR.     

《中国木本植物种子》

AIM: To test whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) delays ischemia-induced electrical uncoupling by activation of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mitoK_ATP). METHODS: Adult rat hearts perfused on a Langendorff apparatus were subjected to 40 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion. Changes in coupling were monitored by measuring whole-tissue resistance. RESULTS: IPC delayed the onset of uncoupling campared to ischemic control; Blocking mitoK_ATP channels before the IPC protocol abolished the delay of uncoupling. The specific mitoK_ATP channel opener diazoxide mimicked the protective effect of IPC. The delay induced by diazoxide was reduced by 5-HD, L-type Ca²⁺ channel inhibitor verapamil and a free radical scavenger N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine. CONCLUSIONS: IPC delays the onset of cellular electrical uncoupling induced by acute ischemia, in which activation of the mitoK_ATP channels may be involved.     

Effects of 11, 12-EET and ischemic preconditioning on phosphorylated ERK and p38 MAPK during ischemia and reperfusion in rat myocardium

AIM: In order to study the relationship between the ERK and p38 MAPK activation and the protection of 11, 12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11, 12-EET) and ischemia preconditioning (IP), the effects of 11, 12-EET and ischemic preconditioning on phosphorylated ERK and p38 MAPK during ischemia and reperfusion in rat myocardium were examined. METHODS: The rat heart was subjected to ischemia for 5 min by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion for 5 min (two times) to undergo ischemia preconditioning. The rats were divided into 5 groups: (1) control; (2) sham group; (3) ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, in which the rat heart suffered from 60 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion; (4) IP plus I/R group; (5) EET plus I/R group, in which 6.28×10^-8 mol/L 11, 12-EET was injected intravenously 20 min before I/R. The heart function was examined, and phosphorylated ERK and p38 MAPK were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: At 30 min reperfusion, +dp/dt_max, -dp/dt_max and LVDP decreased significantly in I/R group compared with sham group, IP plus I/R group and EET plus I/R group; Phosphorylated ERK1/2 level was higher in I/R group than sham group, but was lower in I/R group than IP plus I/R group and EET plus I/R group; Phosphorylated p38 MAPK level was lower in control, sham, IP plus I/R and EET plus I/R group than I/R group. CONCLUSION: 11,12-EET protects rat heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury, the mechanism may be related to activation of ERK1/2 and inhibition of p38 MAPK.     

Effect of heat shock precondition on reperfusion arrhythmia in rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of the heat shock response on the reperfusion arrhythmias(RAs) and the possible mechanism involved. METHODS:Fifty-five Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: the heat shock group (group H,n=29) and the control group (group C,n=26). The rats in group H were preconditioned with heat shock 24 hours before, and that in group C were not. The hearts of 16 rats in group H and 16 in group C were exercised and mounted on a non-circulating Langendorff perfusion apparatus and perfused retrogradely with modified K-H buffer and mimic ischemia/reperfusion was applied. Additionally, conventional intracellular microelectrode techniques were used for recording such electrophysiological parameters as resting potential(RP), action potential amplitude(APA), over shot(OS), maximum depolarization velocity(Vmax) of the hearts of other 13 rats in group H and 10 in group C. RESULTS:①Prior heat stress significantly decreased reperfusion arrhythmia. ②The amount of CK release in the effluent in group H was much less than that in group C. ③Myocardial HSP70 content was elevated significantly in group H. ④Heat stress significantly increased myocardial anti-oxydases activity and decreased lipid peroxydative products. Additionally, heat stress significantly reduced the Vmax of action potential. It indicated that rapid Na⁺ channel of papillary muscles may be inhibited by heat shock. The degree of change of Vmax after ischemia in H group was significantly less than that in group C. And the time of reperfusoin with Tyrode's solution till the action potential appeared as large as that before perfusion with mimic ischemic solution is shorter in group H than in group C. CONCLUSION:Heat shock pretreatment markedly reduces ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury of heart and ventricular arrhythmias in rats and this effect may be associated with the inhibition of rapid Na⁺ channel of papillary muscles by heat shock and the increase in myocardial HSP70 and anti-oxydase activity.     

Effects of volatile anesthetics on rat heart ischemia-reperfusion injury in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effect of volatile anesthetics on function,metabolism,ATPase activity and free radicals in isolated ischemia /reperfusion (I/R) rat hearts.METHODS: 136 SD rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital and randomly divided into six groups and 17 sub-groups (n=8),according to the given drug.In a normal thermal isolated Langendorff rat heart model,four volatile anesthetics in 1.5 MAC concentration were given before global ischemia 25 min and during reperfusion 30 min.Coronary flow (CF),LVEDP,left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP),±dp/dt were monitored at 15 min of equilibrium,15 min of drug treatment,the end of reperfusion.Myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP),malodialdehyde (MDA),activity of Ca2＋-ATPase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase,and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined at 15 min of equilibrium,15 min of drug treatment or absence,10 min global ischemia and the end of reperfusion.RESULTS: CF and LVEDP were increased significantly after exposured to volatile anesthetics 15 min,and LVDP,+dp/dtmax were significantly decreased.However,LVDP and +dp/dtmax were increased at the end of reperfusion in the treated groups.HR in halothane and isoflurane groups was decreased before ischemia and after reperfusion.The myocardial ATP content was significantly increased before and after ischemia in the treated groups.At the end of reperfusion,the activity of SOD was significantly higher and myocardial MDA content was significantly lower in the treated groups than those in control group.The activity of Ca2＋-ATPase,compared with the control group,was markedly decreased before ischemia in halothane,enflurane and isoflurane group.Nonetheless,the activity of Ca2＋-ATPase was clearly increased in the treated groups during ischemia and at the end of reperfusion.The activity of Na＋-K＋-ATPase was only enhanced in halothane group at the end of reperfusion among groups.CONCLUSION: The volatile anesthetics depress myocardial systolic function.There are markedly protective effects against myocardial I/R injury.Meanwhile,the volatile anesthetics improve the recovery of function and metabolism,and increase CF and the activity of Ca2＋-ATPase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase in rats.     

Inhibition of calcineurin is involved in cardioprotection induced by ischemic postconditioning in rats

AIM: To demonstrate the mechanisms underlying cardioprotection induced by ischemic postconditioning (I-postC) via studying the alteration of calreticulin (CRT)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway in rat heart subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).METHODS: The model of myocardial I/R injury in vivo was made by occluding the left anterior descending artery for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion in Wistar rats.Hemodynamics and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in plasma were measured.Myocardial infarct size was measured by 2,3,5- triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected using in situ TDT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL).The activity of CaN,the expressions of CaN and CRT in myocardium were detected by enzyme reaction phosphorus measurement and Western blotting analysis,respectively.RESULTS: Cyclosporin A,the inhibitor of CaN,limited significantly myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by I/R,but had no significant effect on cardiac function.I-postC ameliorated significantly the cardiac dysfunction induced by I/R.Compared with those in I/R group,the myocardial infarct size,the LDH and CK-MB activities in plasma and the cardiomyocyte apoptotic index were significantly reduced in I-postC group.In addition,I/R-induced upregulation of CaN activity,CaN and CRT expression were relieved by I-postC.No significant difference was found between I-postC and ischemic preconditioning groups.I-postC had stronger protective effect on the reperfused heart compared with cyclosporin A.CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that I-postC protects myocardium against I/R injury,at least in part,via inhibiting the CRT/CaN signaling pathway.     

Effect of preconditioning with pioglitazone on ischemia reperfusion/hypoxia reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial structure and membrane potential in rats

AIM: To observe the effect of preconditioning with pioglitazone on ischemia reperfusion/hypoxia reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial ultramicro-structure and membrane potential in rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (SO) group, ischemia reperfusion (IR) group, pioglitazone preconditioning group (Pio-P) and 5-HD+pioglitazone (5-HD+Pio) group. Apart from the SO group, IR, Pio-P and 5-HD+Pio groups were subjected to 30 min ischemia and 4 h reperfusion. The heart was quickly removed for observing the structure of mitochondria and measurement of the apoptosis index (AI) by TUNEL. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes of Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, hypoxic reoxygenation (HR) and different concentrations of Pio-P group. JC-1 staining flowcytometry was adopted to examine mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). RESULTS: The injury of mitochondrial structure in IR group was severer than that in Pio-P group, while the difference between 5-HD+Pio group and IR group was not evident. Flameng score in Pio-P group(1.62±0.60) was significantly lower than that in IR group (2.75±1.09), P<0.01. AI in Pio-P group (28.19%±4.93%) was lower than that in IR group (55.44%±6.63%),P<0.05. The rates of low ΔΨm cells in (5 μmol/L,10 μmol/L and 15 μmol/L) Pio-P group were (45.89±3.63)%, (17.13±1.37)% and (18.43±2.44)%, significantly lower than that in HR group (56.52%±2.87%),P<0.05, while the difference between 10 μmol/L group and 15 μmol/L group was not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone protects the heart from ischemia reperfusion/ hypoxia reoxygenation injury evidenced by improving mitochondrial ultrastructure and lessening the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreasing apoptosis. The cardioprotective effects can be inhibited by the blocker of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels.     

Changes of cardiac energy metabolism and structure during ischemia/reperfusion injury of liver in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury on the changes of cardiac energy metabolism and structure.METHODS: 48 healthy Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups as follows (n=8 in each group): control group (CTL), simply ischemia for 30 min without reperfusion(I group); reperfusion following ischemia for 30 min (I/R group); 2 h reperfusion following ischemia for 30 min (I/R 2 h group); 4 h reperfusion following ischemia for 30 min (I/R 4 h group) and 6 h reperfusion following ischemia for 30 min (I/R 6 h group). The level of serum endotoxin was measured. The levels of insulin and insulin antibody in heart were detected by radioimmunoassay. The contents of MDA, MPO and lactic acid in heart were also determined. RESULTS: During the process of liver I/R injury, the level of endotoxin increased in I group and I/R group and declined gradually for long time during reperfusion, but was still longer than that in CTL group (P<0.05). The level of MDA obviously increased in I group and in all reperfusion groups compared to CTL (P<0.05). The obvious significant differences among I/R 2 h group, I/R 4 h group, I/R 6 h group with CTL were observed (P<0.05). The activities of MPO obviously increased in all reperfusion groups, there was also an obvious significant difference compared with CTL and I group (P<0.05). The level of lactic acid obviously increased with prolongation in reperfusion (P<0.05), but decreased in I/R 6 h group (P<0.05). The level of insulin decreased in I/R 4 h group and I/R 6 h group (P<0.05). No difference of insulin antibody was observed among all groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: During the process of liver I/R injury, endotoxin is absorbed from intestine and impairment of liver detoxication leads to endotoxemia, which might play a role in the changes of the energy metabolism and structure in heart.     

Relationship between delayed cardioprotection effect of 11,12-EET and phosphorylated ERK during ischemia and reperfusion in the rat myocardium

AIM:In order to study the relationship of the activation of ERK and delayed cardioprotection of 11,12-EET . METHODS:A rat ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model was replicated by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery 30 min followed by 60 min. The expression of ERK was detected with Western blotting, and the change of heart function during reperfusion was observed. RESULTS:The difference of myocardial function was prominent at 24 h in I/R group compared with sham group, EET+I/R and EET+PD098059+I/R group. The activity of ERK at 24 h in EET+I/R group was higher than sham group, and the activity of ERK in EET+PD098059+I/R group was lower than that in EET+I/R group;the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/ERK2 at 24 h in EET+I/R group was more than that in I/R group, and the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/ERK2 in EET+PD098059+I/R group was less than EET+I/R group. CONCLUSION:11, 12-EET has a delayed cardioprotection effect, and this protection effect is involved in the activity of ERK and expression of phosphorylated ERK1/ERK2.     

Intestinal ischemic postconditioning attenuates acute lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats

AIM: Previous study has shown that brief period of repetitive superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion and reperfusion applied at the onset of reperfusion, ischemic postconditioning (IPo), attenuates intestinal injury after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). This study tested the hypothesis that IPo would attenuate intestinal I/R-induced acute lung injury which is comparable to ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and the brief period of postconditioning applied at the onset of reperfusion is critical to pulmonary protection by IPo. METHODS: Rat intestinal I/R injury was produced by clamping SMA for 60 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The rats were randomly allocated into one of five groups based upon the intervention (n=8): sham operation (sham): sham surgical preparation including isolation of the SMA without occlusion was performed; injury: there was no intervention either before or after SMA occlusion; ischemia preconditioning (IPC): the SMA was occluded for 10 min followed by 10 min of reperfusion before prolonged occlusion; ischemia postconditioning (IPo): 3 cycles of 30 s reperfusion-30 s reocclusion were imposed immediately upon reperfusion (3 min total intervention); delayed postconditioning (delay): clamping was completely released for full reperfusion for 3 min (the duration of the IPo algorithm), after which 3 cycles of 30 s occlusion and reperfusion were applied. RESULTS: Histological results showed severe damages in rat lungs in the injury group evidenced by increased lung wet/dry weight ratio and pulmonary permeability index, which was accompanied by increases in the levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6, the pulmonary malondialdehyde (MDA), and the pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. IPo, not delayed IPo, significantly attenuated lung injury and improved the above variables, which was comparable to IPC. CONCLUSION: IPo at onset of reperfusion reduces acute lung injury induced by intestinal I/R, which may be mediated, in part, by inhibiting oxidant generation, filtration of neutrophils and releases of proinflammatory mediators. The early period of reperfusion in the rat model is critical to pulmonary protection by IPo. IPo may improve outcome in clinical conditions associated with intestinal I/R.     

X-ray irradiation increases sensitivity of myocardium to ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

AIM：To observe the sensitivity of myocardium to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the rats with chest radiotherapy. METHODS：The radiation-induced heart disease model was established by local 20 Gy of X-ray irradiation in the chest. Male Wistar rats (n=42) were randomly divided into 6 groups:sham trauma group, trauma group, sham trauma+sham operation group, sham trauma +I/R group, trauma+sham operation group and trauma+I/R group. The rats were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion 2 week after trauma. The left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and ±dp/dtmax were recorded by BL-410 biological signal recording and analysis system. The serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were measured by ELISA. The myocardial infarct size was determined by nitroblue tetrazolium(NBT) staining method and BI2000 image analysis software. RESULTS：Compared with sham trauma+I/R group, significant decreases in LVDP and ±dp/dtmax were observed in trauma+I/R group (P<0.01) with significant increases in the infarct size and the concentrations of cTnI and CK-MB (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Chest X-ray irradiation increases the sensitivity of myocardium to I/R injury in rats.