吡格列酮对缺氧复氧大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及低氧诱导因子1α的影响

目的观察吡格列酮对缺氧复氧大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的保护作用,并探讨吡格列酮对低氧诱导因子-1α（HIF-1α）表达的影响。方法原代培养的SD乳鼠心肌细胞随机分为4组：溶媒组、缺氧复氧＋溶媒组、缺氧复氧＋吡格列酮0．1μM组、缺氧复氧＋吡格列酮1μM组,建立缺氧复氧模型,利用Annexin—v与PI双染法及流式细胞仪检测心肌细胞凋亡,RT—PCR及Westernblot方法检测HIF-1αmRNA及蛋白表达的变化。结果缺氧复氧后,溶媒组心肌细胞发生明显凋亡,吡格列酮以剂量依赖方式减少心肌细胞凋亡（P〈0．05）;缺氧复氧组HIF-1α表达上调,吡格列酮各组促进其进一步上调（P〈0．05）,与剂量无关。结论吡格列酮对缺氧复氧大鼠心肌细胞凋亡具有保护作用,其机制可能与上调HIF-1α表达有关。     

异丙酚对乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤后凋亡的影响

目的探讨异丙酚对乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤后凋亡的影响及其作用机制。方法把培养的18孔乳鼠心肌细胞随机分成3组:对照组、单纯缺氧/复氧组、异丙酚处理组。培养3 d的乳鼠心肌细胞给予1 h缺氧和3 h复氧处理（单纯缺氧/复氧组）。复氧期间给予异丙酚（25μmol/L）处理（异丙酚处理组）,复氧结束后采用DNA原位末端缺口标记技术（TUNEL）测定心肌细胞凋亡比例同时用免疫组化法测定心肌细胞内抗凋亡分子Akt、Bcl-2和促凋亡分子p38 MAPK的表达。结果与对照组相比,异丙酚显著降低了缺氧/复氧诱导的心肌凋亡（10.1%±3.2%vs25.3%±6.2%,P<0.01）,并改变了缺氧/复氧过程中凋亡介导因子的活性。免疫组化的结果显示,异丙酚增加了心肌细胞内抗凋亡蛋白pAkt和Bcl-2的形成,降低了促凋亡蛋白p38的活性。结论异丙酚对培养心肌细胞缺氧损伤后的凋亡有显著的保护作用,该作用与其对pAkt、Bcl-2和p38的影响密切相关。     

硫化氢对乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧-复氧损伤的保护作用

目的:研究不同浓度的硫化氢(H_2S)对缺氧不同时间的乳鼠心肌细胞损伤的直接影响及其对复氧损伤的间接影响,分析其对乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧-复氧损伤的保护作用.方法:原代培养的乳鼠心肌细胞随机分为正常对照组、缺氧硫氢化钠(NaHS)0组、缺氧硫氢化钠 100 μmol/L组、缺氧硫氢化钠 200 μmol/L组、缺氧硫氢化钠400 μmol/L组以及缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠0组、缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠100 μmol/L组、缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠 200 μmol/L组、缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠 400 μmol/L组.在缺氧24 h、48 h、72 h后及复氧2 h后均检测细胞存活数量、培养液中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性.结果:缺氧硫氢化钠100 μmol/L组、缺氧硫氢化钠200 μmol/L组和缺氧硫氢化钠 400 μmol/L组缺氧培养24 h、48 h和72 h后与各自时间点缺氧硫氢化钠0组比心肌细胞存活数量升高(P<0.01)、培养液中乳酸脱氢酶活性降低(P<0.01),差异均有统计学意义;缺氧硫氢化钠 200 μmol/L组和缺氧硫氢化钠 400 μmol/L组在缺氧培养24 h后较缺氧硫氢化钠100 μmol/L组心肌细胞存活数量升高(P<0.01)、培养液中乳酸脱氢酶活性降低(P<0.05～0.01),差异均有统计学意义.缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠100 μmol/L组、缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠200 μmol/L组和缺氧缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠400 μmol/L组缺氧培养24 h、48 h、72 h并复氧2 h后较各自时间点缺氧-复氧硫氢化钠0组比心肌细胞存活数量升高(P<0.01)、复氧后心肌细胞乳酸脱氢酶漏出量降低(P<0.01),差异均有统计学意义.结论:100~400 μmol/L 硫氢化钠对缺氧-复氧心肌细胞具有保护效果.200~400 μmol/L 硫氢化钠对缺氧24 h的心肌细胞保护作用较好.     

吡格列酮对缺血再灌注大鼠心肌细胞内质网应激致凋亡途径的影响

目的 观察吡格列酮对大鼠心肌细胞缺血再灌注(I/R)损伤(MIRI)后GRP78和caspase - 12蛋白表达的影响,探讨吡格列酮内质网应激途径的心肌保护.方法 Wistar大鼠30只随机分为I/R+ Pio组[灌服5 mg/(kg·d)]、I/R组及假手术组,各10只.制作大鼠心肌再灌注损伤模型.TUNEL检测心肌细胞凋亡,免疫组织化学检测GRP78和caspase - 12表达变化.结果 吡格列酮预处理组大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及GRP78、caspase - 12蛋白表达水平明显比I/R组减少(P＜0.05).结论 通过内质网应激途径可能是吡格列酮对心肌再灌注损伤的保护作用机制之一.     

Mito-KATP对缺氧复氧大鼠心肌微血管内皮细胞凋亡的影响及作用机制

目的探讨线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道(mito-KATP)开放影响缺氧复氧大鼠心肌微血管内皮细胞(MMECs)凋亡的作用机制。方法培养大鼠心肌微血管内皮细胞,随机分为四组:对照组(N组)、模型组(H/R组)、开放剂组(DZ组)、阻断剂组(5-HD组)。DZ组加入100μmol/L二氮嗪预处理2 h,5-HD组在加入100μmol/L二氮嗪前,先用100μmol/L 5-羟葵酸预处理2 h,然后上述两组和H/R组同样进行缺氧2 h复氧2 h。Hoechst染色方法观察凋亡细胞形态,Annexin V-FITC/PI双标记法测定各组细胞凋亡率、RT-PCR法检测各组NF-κB、FKN和p53 mRNA转录水平。结果与N组比较,H/R组可见大量细胞坏死、脱落,细胞凋亡率升高(P<0.01),NF-κB、FKN和p53 mRNA表达上调(P<0.01);与H/R组比较,DZ组可见部分细胞坏死脱落,细胞凋亡率降低(P<0.01),NF-κB、FKN和p53 mRNA表达下调(P<0.01);5-HD组与H/R组比较无显著差异。结论 mito-KATP开放可抑制缺氧复氧所致MMECs凋亡,其机制可能与抑制NF-κB、FKN及p53 mRNA表达有关。     

吡格列酮拮抗链脲佐菌素诱导培养皮层神经元损伤的保护作用

目的研究吡格列酮对链脲佐菌素(STZ)诱导原代培养大鼠皮层神经元损伤是否具有保护作用。方法采用新生1 d~3d的Wistar大鼠,常规原代皮层神经细胞培养的方法,培养到第7天时,加入吡格列酮(0.01μmol/L,0.1μmol/L,1μmol/L),24h后,再加入STZ(100μmol/L),36h后通过检测cck-8,乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)释放检测和calcein-AM染色情况观察细胞的损伤情况。结果 STZ(100μmol/L)处理后,原代培养大鼠皮层神经细胞产生明显的损伤作用,吡格列酮(0.01μmol/L,0.1μmol/L)对STZ诱导的培养皮层神经细胞损伤有保护作用,吡格列酮(1μmol/L)对STZ诱导培养皮层神经细胞损伤没有保护作用。结论一定剂量的吡格列酮对STZ诱导的培养皮层神经细胞损伤有保护作用。     

苯那普利对乳鼠缺氧复氧心肌细胞肿瘤坏死因子的影响

目的 观察苯那普利对乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧复氧损伤时肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)的影响和可能机制.方法 采用纯化的乳鼠心肌细胞复制缺血再灌注模型.实验分5组正常对照组、单纯缺氧复氧组(HR)、缺氧复氧+苯那普利低剂量组(1×10-7 mol/L)、缺氧复氧+苯那普利中剂量组(1×10-6 mol/L)和缺氧复氧+苯那普利高剂量组(1×10-5 mol/L).细胞缺氧1 h复氧2 h后取细胞培养液测定TNF-α及乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的活性,取细胞测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量.结果 单纯缺氧复氧组与对照组比较,TNF-α(40.32±5.54和5.43±3.32,P＜0.05)、LDH(27.83±2.71和8.0±1.41,P＜0.01)和MDA(0.757±0.036和0.131±0.029,P＜0.01)含量增高,SOD活性明显降低(对照组为36.13±1.43,其他各组为13.20±1.10、8.87±1.43、21.84±1.31、24.34±1.07,分别为P＜0.01和P＜0.05);各组苯那普利均减弱TNF-α的表达,减少MDA的生成和LDH的释放,明显提高SOD活性,并呈剂量依赖趋势.结论 苯那普利可抑制乳鼠缺氧复氧心肌细胞过度分泌TNF-α,具有明显的抗缺氧复氧损伤、保护心肌的作用.     

血红素氧合酶-1在胰岛素对乳鼠心肌细胞保护机制中的作用

目的探讨血红素氧合酶（HO）1在胰岛素对缺氧/复氧心肌细胞保护机制中的作用。方法体外培养SD乳鼠心肌细胞,分为7组常氧对照组,缺氧/复氧对照组,不同剂量胰岛素组（160、320、640、960mU/L）,胰岛素加原卟啉锌组（胰岛素640mU/L、原卟啉锌10μmol/L）。除常氧对照组外,其余各组均给于缺氧3h,再复氧1h处理。检测心肌细胞HO1蛋白表达、HO活性、细胞生存率及乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）值。结果与缺氧/复氧对照组比较,各胰岛素组心肌细胞HO1蛋白表达显著增加,HO活性、细胞生存率显著增高,LDH显著降低。原卟啉锌能显著抑制HO活性,阻止胰岛素对心肌细胞的保护作用。结论胰岛素能够增加缺氧/复氧心肌细胞HO1的表达,增高HO活性,从而减轻心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤。     

mitoKATP通道在瑞舒伐他汀联合缺血后处理减轻糖尿病大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的观察瑞舒伐他汀后处理联合缺血后处理是否能减轻2型糖尿病大鼠缺血再灌注损伤并探讨其相应机制。方法建立2型糖尿病大鼠模型,并随机分成7组(每组9只):假手术组、缺血再灌注损伤组(IRI组)、瑞舒伐他汀后处理+缺血后处理组(RPO+IPO组)、瑞舒伐他汀后处理+缺血后处理组+5-羟基喹酸盐组(5-HD组)、瑞舒伐他汀后处理+缺血后处理组+二氮嗪组(二氮嗪组)、瑞舒伐他汀后处理+缺血后处理组+HMR-1098组(HMR-1098组)、瑞舒伐他汀后处理+缺血后处理组+克罗卡林组(克罗卡林组)。进行45 min缺血和120 min再灌注,观察心肌梗死区面积及心肌细胞线粒体超微结构和血清心肌肌钙蛋白T水平。结果 RPO+IPO组、二氮嗪组、HMR-1098组和克罗卡林组心肌梗死面积较IRI组明显减小(P<0.05),5-HD组心肌梗死面积明显大于RPO+IPO组、二氮嗪组、HMR-1098组及克罗卡林组(P<0.05)。IRI组和5-HD组心肌细胞线粒体超微结构损伤重,RPO+IPO组、二氮嗪组、HMR-1098组及克罗卡林组心肌细胞线粒体超微结构基本完整。RPO+IPO组、二氮嗪组、HMR-1098组及克罗卡林组血清心肌肌钙蛋白T水平较IRI组明显减少(P<0.05),5-HD组血清心肌肌钙蛋白T水平与IRI组无明显差异,但明显高于RPO+IPO组、二氮嗪组、HMR-1098组及克罗卡林组(P<0.05)。结论瑞舒伐他汀后处理联合缺血后处理可明显减轻2型糖尿病大鼠缺血再灌注损伤,mitoKATP通道开放在此作用中起主导地位。     

二甲双胍对缺氧/复氧导致的乳鼠心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的通过建立乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤模型,观察二甲双胍对乳鼠心肌细胞凋亡的影响。方法选用原代培养72 h的乳鼠心肌细胞,随机分为4组:空白对照组、二甲双胍组、缺氧/复氧组、二甲双胍+缺氧/复氧组。流式细胞术检测各组细胞的凋亡率,荧光定量PCR检测各组细胞caspase-3 mRNA表达,酶联免疫法检测各组细胞胞浆内细胞色素C(CytC)的含量。结果与空白对照组相比,缺氧/复氧组细胞凋亡、caspase-3 mRNA表达、胞浆CytC的含量均明显增高(P0.05)。与缺氧/复氧组相比,二甲双胍+缺氧/复氧组细胞凋亡率、caspase-3 mRNA表达、CytC含量均明显降低(P0.05)。结论二甲双胍可以抑制caspase-3表达,进而减轻缺氧/复氧所致的心肌细胞凋亡,其机制可能与抑制mPTP的开放,减少线粒体内CytC的释放有关。     

Cytochrome P450 omega-hydroxylase inhibition reduces infarct size during reperfusion via the sarcolemmal KATP channel

Inhibition of 20-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (20-HETE), by pretreatment with pharmacological inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) omega-hydroxylase, has been shown to reduce infarct size in canines when administered prior to ischemia. However, it is unknown whether these agents reduce infarct size when administered just prior to reperfusion and if the sarcolemmal and/or mitochondrial K(ATP) channels (sK(ATP) and mK(ATP)) contribute to cardioprotection. Therefore, we determined whether specific CYP inhibitors for epoxygenases and omega-hydroxylases are cardioprotective when given either prior to ischemia or prior to reperfusion and furthermore, if selective inhibition of the sK(ATP) by HMR-1098 or mK(ATP) by 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD) could abrogate this effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Groups received either miconazole (MIC, non-selective CYP inhibitor, 3 mg/kg), 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA, CYP omega-hydroxylase inhibitor, 0,3 or 3 mg/kg), N-methylsulfonyl-12, 12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS, CYP omega-hydroxylase inhibitor, 0,4 or 4 mg/kg), N-methanesulfonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS-PPOH, CYP epoxygenase inhibitor, 3 mg/kg), or vehicle either 10 minutes prior to ischemia or 5 minutes prior to reperfusion. Rats also received either HMR-1098 (6 mg/kg) or 5-HD (10 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to reperfusion, with subsets of rats also receiving either MIC or 17-ODYA 5 minutes prior to reperfusion. DDMS and 17-ODYA dose dependently reduced infarct size. Rats treated with MIC, 17-ODYA and DDMS, but not MS-PPOH, produced comparable reductions in infarct size when administered prior to ischemia or reperfusion compared to vehicle. HMR-1098, but not 5-HD, also blocked the infarct size reduction afforded by MIC and 17-ODYA. These data suggest a novel cardioprotective pathway involving CYP omega-hydroxylase inhibition and subsequent activation of the sK(ATP) channel during reperfusion.     

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide contributes to the cardioprotection by metabolic inhibition preconditioning in the rat ventricular myocytes

The possible role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cardioprotection was investigated in isolated rat ventricular myocytes exposed to severe metabolic inhibition (MI) in glucose-free buffer containing 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG), an inhibitor of glycolysis. Pretreatment (30 min) with NaHS (a H2S donor) at concentrations of 10(-5) to 10(-4) mol/L caused a concentration related increase in cell viability and the ratio of rod-shaped cells. A time course study showed that NaHS-induced cardioprotection occurred in 2 time windows (approximately 1 h and 16-28 h). To observe whether endogenous H2S may be involved in the delayed cardioprotection response of IP, DL-propargylglycine (PAG) and beta-cyano-L-alanine (BCA; two inhibitors of H2S biosynthesis) were used. Both drugs significantly attenuated the cardioprotection produced by MI using cell viability, cellular injury index, and electrically-induced [Ca2+]i transients as end-points. These data suggest that endogenous H2S plays an important role in the cardioprotection following MI preconditioning. In an attempt to determine the mechanism of the cardioprotective effect of H2S, we examined the effect of blocking KATP channels with glibenclamide (a non-selective KATP channel blocker), 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD, a mitochondrial KATP blocker), and HMR-1098 (a sarcolemmal KATP blocker). The cardioprotective effects of NaHS were significantly attenuated by glibenclamide and HMR-1098 treatment but not by 5-HD. Inhibition of NO production with L-NG nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) also attenuated the cardioprotection of NaHS. In conclusion, our findings provide the first evidence that H2S may protect the heart most probably by activating sarcolemmal KATP channels and/or provoking NO release and the cardioprotective effects of metabolic ischemic preconditioning is, at least partially, mediated by endogenous H2S.     

GSK3β inhibition and K<Subscript>ATP</Subscript> channel opening mediate acute opioid-induced cardioprotection at reperfusion

Both glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) and the ATP-dependant potassium channel (K(ATP)) mediate opioid-induced cardioprotection (OIC). However, whether direct K(ATP) channel openers induce cardioprotection prior to reperfusion and their signaling cascade position with respect to GSK3beta inhibition is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of K(ATP) channel opening at reperfusion in OIC, and the interaction between the GSK signaling axis and K(ATP) channels in cardioprotection.Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 30 minutes ischemia with 2 hours of reperfusion and infarct size was determined. Rats given the nonselective opioid agonist, morphine (0.3 mg/kg), or the selective delta opioid agonist, BW373U86 (1.0 mg/kg), 5 minutes prior to reperfusion reduced infarct size (40.3+/-1.6*, 39.7+/-1.9* versus 60.0+/-1.1%, respectively, * P<0.001%). This protection was abrogated with prior administration of the putative sarcolemmal K(ATP) antagonist, HMR-1098 (6 mg/kg), or the putative mitochondrial K(ATP) antagonist, 5-HD (10 mg/kg). The putative sK(ATP) channel opener, P-1075 (1microg/kg) or the putative mK(ATP) channel opener, BMS-191095 (1 mg/kg) given 5 minutes prior to reperfusion also reduced infarct size (41.8+/-2.4*, 43.4+/-1.4*) and protection was abrogated by prior administration of the PI3k inhibitor wortmannin (60.0+/-1.7, 64.0+/-2.6%, respectively, * P<0.001). Cardioprotection afforded by the GSK inhibitor SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg) given 5 minutes prior to reperfusion was also partially blocked by either HMR or 5-HD and completely blocked when HMR and 5-HD were given in combination (40.8+/-1.6*, 50.4+/-1.6;; 49.4+/-1.7;, 61.6+/-1.6%, respectively, * or ; P<0.001). These data indicate that both the sK(ATP) and mK(ATP) channel are involved in acute OIC and the GSK signaling axis regulates cardioprotection via K(ATP) channel opening.     

吡格列酮对大鼠肥大心肌细胞炎性细胞因子表达的影响

目的探讨过氧化物酶体增殖物活化受体γ(PPARγ)激活剂吡格列酮对体外肥大心肌细胞炎性细胞因子表达水平的影响。方法体外培养新生Wistar大鼠心肌细胞,以血管紧张素Ⅱ刺激建立心肌细胞肥大模型,培养的心肌细胞分为3组,正常对照组,肥大模型组,吡格列酮组(51、0、20μmol/L)。用软件分析心肌细胞表面积,3H-亮氨酸掺入检测心肌细胞蛋白合成速率,采用半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应法检测心肌细胞肥大特征性基因心钠肽(ANP),脑钠肽(BNP),炎性细胞因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β),白细胞介素-6(IL-6),基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)、MMP9以及PPARγ的mRNA表达。结果血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导后,心肌细胞表面积、ANP、BNP的mRNA表达以及蛋白合成速率增加;IL-1β,IL-6,MMP2,MMP9的mRNA表达也增加;PPARγ的mRNA表达下降。吡格列酮可以逆转心肌细胞肥大,下调ANP、BNP和炎性细胞因子及MMPs的mRNA表达,增加PPARγ的mRNA表达,并呈一定的剂量依赖性。结论吡格列酮能够抑制大鼠心肌细胞肥大,这一作用可能与其增加PPARγ的mRNA表达,下调炎性细胞因子的表达有关。     

吡格列酮对成骨细胞Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达的影响

目的 研究吡格列酮对成骨细胞增殖及凋亡的影响,并进一步了解其凋亡发生机制.方法 以MC3T3-E1成骨细胞株为实验对象,分别用0、5、10、20、30、40 μmol/L吡格列酮干预,观察细胞活性、细胞周期及凋亡率的变化,同时检测细胞Bcl-2,Bax蛋白表达.结果 随着浓度增加,成骨细胞的活性逐渐降低;与对照组相比,G0/G1,G2/M期细胞增多,S期细胞明显减少;凋亡率在5、10 μmol/L时低于对照组,30、40 μmol/L较对照组显著增高;Bax表达在10 μmol/L时明显减弱,20 μmol/L时回复到正常,30、40μmol/L较对照组显著增强;Bcl-2表达在浓度≤20 μmol/L时显著增强;对于Bax/Bcl-2相对表达强度与细胞凋亡率做相关性分析,两者呈显著性正相关(n=15,r=0.796,P＜0.01).结论 吡格列酮在低浓度抑制成骨细胞凋亡,对细胞起保护作用,较高浓度则促进细胞凋亡,Bax/Bcl-2参与其凋亡机制,并可能起关键调控作用.吡格列酮抑制成骨细胞DNA合成,抑制细胞增殖,导致细胞活性下降.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effects of pioglitazone on osteoblast proliferation and apoptosis.Methods MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 μmol/L pioglitazone for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT, cell cycle and apoptosis were inspected with flow cytometry, the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined via immuno-chemical staining. Results Survival of osteoblasts decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the control group, the cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M stages increased, while the cells in S stage decreased significantly. The percentage of apoptosis at 5 and 10 μmol/L were lower than that of the control group(P ＜ 0.05), While it was increased significantly at 30 and 40 μmol/L(P ＜0.01). Bax expression was attenuated at 10 μmol/L(P＜0. 01), returned to normal by 20 μmol/L, and was increased by 30 and 40 μmol/L(P ＜ 0. 01). Bcl-2 expression was enhanced at the dose ≤ 20 μmol/L(P ＜0.01). Positive correlation was found between the death rate and the expression intensity of Bax/Bcl-2(n = 15, r=0.796, P＜0.01). Conclusions Pioglitazone inhibits apoptosis of osteoblasts at low concentrations and protects the cells, but promotes their apoptosis at higher concentration, Bax/Bcl-2 may play an important role in mediating the piglitazone-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts. It inhibits DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.     

Sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K(atp)channels mediate cardioprotection in chronically hypoxic hearts

X. Kong, J. S. Tweddell, G. J. Gross and J. E. Baker. Sarcolemmal and Mitochondrial K(ATP)Channels Mediate Cardioprotection in Chronically Hypoxic Hearts. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2001) 33, 1041-1045. Hypoxia from birth increases the resistance of the isolated neonatal heart to ischemia. We determined if increased resistance to ischemia was due to activation of sarcolemmal or mitochondrial K(ATP)channels. Rabbits (n=8/group) were raised from birth in a normoxic (F(I)O(2)=0.21) or hypoxic (F(I)O(2)=0.12) environment for 8-10 days and the heart perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer. A mitochondrial-selective K(ATP)channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) (300 micromol/l) or a sarcolemmal-selective K(ATP)channel blocker HMR 1098 (30 micromol/l) were added alone or in combination for 20 min prior to a global ischemic period of 30 min, followed by 35 min reperfusion. Recovery of ventricular developed pressure was higher in chronically hypoxic than normoxic hearts. 5-HD and HMR 1098 partially reduced the cardioprotective effect of chronic hypoxia, but had no effect in normoxic hearts. The combination of 5-HD and HMR 1098 abolished the cardioprotective effect of chronic hypoxia. We conclude that both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K(ATP)channels contribute to cardioprotection in the chronically hypoxic heart.     

Human thrombopoietin reduces myocardial infarct size, apoptosis, and stunning following ischaemia/reperfusion in rats

AIMS: Thrombopoietin (Tpo) is known for its ability to stimulate platelet production. However, it is currently unknown whether Tpo plays a physiological function in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed the potential protective role of Tpo in vitro and in vivo in two rat models of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion. Tpo receptor (c-mpl) message was detected in the heart using RT-PCR, and the Tpo receptor protein was detected using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Tpo treatment immediately before ischaemia reduced myocardial necrosis, apoptosis, and decline in ventricular function following ischaemia/reperfusion in the rat in a concentration- and dose-dependent manner with an optimal concentration of 1.0 ng/mL in vitro and an optimal dose of 0.05 microg/kg iv in vivo. Tpo also reduced infarct size when given after the onset of ischaemia or at reperfusion. Tpo activated JAK-2 (Janus kinase-2) and p44 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) during reperfusion but not prior to ischaemia. Inhibition of JAK-2 (AG-490), p42/44 MAPK (PD98059), mitochondrial K(ATP) channels (5-HD), and sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels (HMR 1098) abolished Tpo-induced resistance to injury from myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion. AG-490, PD98059, 5-HD, and HMR1098 alone had no effect on cardioprotection. Treatment with a single dose of Tpo (0.05 or 1.0 microg/kg iv) did not result in the elevation of platelet count or haematocrit over a 16-day period. CONCLUSION: A single treatment of Tpo confers cardioprotection through JAK-2, p42/44 MAPK, and K(ATP) channels, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of Tpo in the treatment of injury resulting from myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion.