Expression of calcium handling protein in diastolic heart failure

AIM:To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying calcium handling protein in diastolic heart failure (DHF) from mRNA level and protein expression, including calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca²⁺-ATPase), phospholamban, ryanodine receptor, calsequestrin and L-type calcium channel.METHODS:The mRNA of these calcium handling genes were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein levels were analyzed by Western blot analysis.RESULTS:Compared with sham-operated rabbits, the steady-state levels of mRNA encoding the SR Ca²⁺-ATPase and cardiac L-type calcium channel were decreased significantly in rabbits with DHF, and protein level of SR Ca²⁺-ATPase was greatly reduced, whereas the mRNA and protein levels of other calcium handling protein were unchanged.CONCLUSION:L-type calcium channel and the sarcoplasmic reticular Ca²⁺-ATPase were down regulated in DHF. These changes may be a contributory factor for DHF.