Activation of k1-opioid receptor as a method for prevention of ischemic and reperfusion arrhythmias: Role of protein kinase C and KATP channels

Intravenous pretreatment with κ-opioid receptor antagonist (−)-U-50,488 (1 mg/kg) improved heart resistance to the arrhythmogenic effect of coronary occlusion and reperfusion. Selective κ₁-opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine and nonselective blocker of peripheral opioid receptors methylnaloxone abolished this antiarrhythmic effect. Preliminary blockade of protein kinase C with chelerythrine or inhibition of ATP-dependent K⁺ channels (K_ATP channels) with glybenclamide abolished the antiarrhythmic effect of κ-opioid receptor activation. Selective inhibitor of sarcolemmal K_ATP channels did not modulate the κ-opioid receptor-mediated increase in cardiac electrical stability. Our results suggest that protein kinase C and mitochondrial K_ATP channels play an important role in the antiarrhythmic effect associated with activation of peripheral κ-opioid receptors. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 143, No. 2, pp. 145–148, February, 2007