4-Pyridone-3-Carboxamide-1β-D-Ribonucleoside Metabolism in Endothelial Cells and Its Impact on Cellular Energetic Balance

4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is a naturally occurring compound related to nicotinamide that could be metabolized to mono-, di-, and triphosphates of 4PYR (4PYMP, 4PYDP, 4PYTP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) analogue (4PYRAD) in all types of cells. Previous studies demonstrated that formation of 4PYMP and 4PYTP was dependent on adenosine kinase activity. Pathway of 4PYRAD production is not yet identified, but most likely this process involves production of 4PYMP. This study aimed to evaluate influence of 4PYR on metabolism of endothelial cells and to test effect of nucleoside transport inhibitors. 4PYR was obtained by chemical synthesis. Endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) was incubated for 24 or 48 hours with 100 μM 4PYR. After incubation, cells were separated from medium and analyzed for concentrations of ATP, NAD, and 4PYR metabolites by using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. We demonstrated progressive accumulation of 4PYR metabolites in endothelium that reached 33.2 ± 0.8 nmol/mg protein for 4PYMP and 5.25 ± 0.17 nmol/mg protein for 4PYRAD after 48-hour incubation with 4PYR. Dipyridamole protected from accumulation of 4PYR metabolites in endothelial cells. We conclude that endothelium is capable to convert 4PYR into intracellular metabolites and this causes disruption of cell energy balance. Nucleoside transport inhibition with dipyridamole could protect endothelium from this effect. This finding could be of clinical relevance in conditions associated with accumulation of 4PYR such as chronic renal disease.     

Influence of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1Β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) on activities of extracellular enzymes in endothelial human cells

ABSTRACT

Previous studies demonstrated that human endothelial cells were capable to phosphorylate 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) to monophosphate (4PYMP) and formed another metabolite—an analog of NAD (4PYRAD). Elevated levels of 4PYMP and 4PYRAD had an adverse effect on energy balance—depressed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentration in human endothelial cells. Ecto-enzymes such as ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (eNTPD); ecto-5′-nucleotidase (e5’NT); and ecto-adenosine deaminase (eADA) are involved in controlling of inflammation and platelet aggregation. This study aimed to evaluate influence of 4PYR and its metabolites on activities of extracellular enzymes in human endothelial cells. Endothelial cells (endothelial cell line HMEC-1) were treated with 100 uM 4PYR for 0, 24, 48, or 72 hours. After incubation, intact HMEC-1 cells were incubated with suitable substrate. Simultaneously, in another path of experiments intracellular concentration of 4PYMP and 4PYRAD had been analyzed. Conversion of extracellular nucleotides into their products and intracellular concentration of 4PYMP and 4PYRAD were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We demonstrated that eNTPD and e5’NT activities increase after 72 hours of cell treatment with 4PYR as compared to control (0.40 ± 0.02 versus 0.29 ± 0.02 nmol/min/mg protein; 13.3 ± 0.6 versus 8.30 ± 0.34 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively, mean ± SEM). eADA activity decreases after 24 hours of cells treatment with 4PYR as compared to control (1.55 ± 0.06 versus 1.92 ± 0.13 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively, mean ± SEM). 4PYR and its derivatives have positive effect on ecto-enzymes related with ATP degradation pathway. We conclude that these increases in extracellular enzyme activities are an adaptive response to decreased intracellular ATP and NAD arising from 4PYR uptake. These changes may protect the cells from the inflammatory result of external ATP degradation.     

Metabolism of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1β-d-ribonucleoside (4PYR) in primary murine brain microvascular endothelial cells (mBMECs).

Abstract

4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is a derivative of nicotinamide found physiologically in human body fluids that can be metabolized to mono-, di- or triphosphate derivatives (4PYMP, 4PYDP and 4PYTP respectively) and an analogue of NAD - the 1-β-D-ribonucleoside-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide adenine dinucleotide (4PYRAD) in human cells. The European Uremic Toxin Work Group (EUTox) has classified 4PYR as a uremic toxin that adversely affects endothelium.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolism of 4PYR in murine brain microvascular endothelial cells (mBMECs). Incubation of mBMECs with 4PYR was carried out for 0, 24, 48 or 72?h. After incubation, a medium was removed and cellular concentrations of ATP, ADP, NAD, 4PYMP and 4PYRAD were analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC.

4PYR was metabolized by mBMECs to 4PYMP and 4PYRAD that reached concentrations of 2?±?0.7 and 0.6?±?0.2?nmol/mg protein (mean?±?SEM), respectively, after 72?h incubation. However, unlike with endothelial cells studied so far this process has no effect on energy balance in the cell as indicated by maintained ATP/ADP ratio and adenine and nicotinamide intracellular pools. Further studies are required to explain whether the difference in 4PYR metabolism is related to differences between species or organs.     

In Vitro and Cellular Effects of 4-Pyridone-3-Carboxamide Riboside on Enzymes of Nucleotide Metabolism

4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is an endogenously produced nucleoside that has recently been identified as a substrate for intracellular phosphorylation to form nucleotide derivatives. Low level of 4PYR is normally present in human plasma, but 4PYR massively accumulates in patients with renal failure. This study aimed to evaluate effects of 4PYR and its monophosphate derivative (4PYMP) on several enzymes of nucleotide metabolism in homogenates and intact cells. Activities of adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD), adenosine deaminase, ecto-5′-nucleotidase (e5NT), adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) were evaluated in erythrocyte lysates, rat heart homogenates, and in the intact rat cardiomyocytes by high performance liquid chromatography–based assays. 4PYMP caused significant inhibition of AMPD in both erythrocyte lysate and heart homogenate with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 74 and 55 μM, respectively. Inhibition of e5NT in heart homogenates was also noted with IC50 of 63 μM. 4PYMP slightly inhibited APRT and 4PYR caused moderate activation of SAHH. No effects on other enzymes studied were noted. Inhibition of AMPD by 4PYMP in homogenates was confirmed in the intact cell experiments with isolated cardiomyocytes that were allowed to accumulate 4PYMP by incubation with 4PYR. We conclude that among pathways studied, most important is the effect of 4PYMP on AMPD and that such effect could be one of the consequences of elevated plasma 4PYR concentration.     

The effects of folic acid and nitric oxide synthase inhibition on coronary flow and oxidative stress markers in isolated rat heart

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of folic acid on coronary flow and oxidative stress markers with or without non-specific inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by l-NAME in isolated rat hearts. The hearts of male Wistar albino rats (n = 12, age 8 weeks, body mass 180–200 g) were retrograde perfused according to the Langendorff technique at gradually increased constant perfusion pressure (40–120 cmH₂O). Coronary flow and markers of oxidative stress: nitrite outflow, superoxide anion production, and index of lipid peroxidation (by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in coronary effluent were calculated. The experiments were performed during control conditions and in presence of folic acid (100 μM) alone or folic acid (100 μM) plus l-NAME (30 μM). Control values of coronary flow varied in range from 4.37 ± 0.10 ml/min/g wt at 40 cmH₂O to 12.05 ± 0.42 ml/min/g wt at 120 cmH₂O. Nitrite outflow varied from 1.68 ± 0.17 nmol/min/g wt at 40 cmH₂O to 3.56 ± 0.17 nmol/min/g wt at 120 cmH₂O and was parallel with coronary perfusion pressure-coronary flow curve. Folic acid significantly increased coronary flow (40–120 cmH₂O, 5.63 ± 0.10 ml/min/g wt and 15.2 ± 0.42 ml/min/g wt, respectively) and was accompanied by significant increase in nitrite outflow (2.28 ± 0.29 nmol/min/g wt at 40 cmH₂O to 6.66 ± 0.50 nmol/min/g wt at 120 cmH₂O). In addition, folic acid significantly decreased superoxide anion production especially at upper coronary perfusion pressure values (60% at 120 cmH₂O) and increased index of lipid peroxidation (37.16% at 120 cmH₂O), respectively. Folic acid plus l-NAME did not change control values of coronary flow significantly. However, folic acid plus l-NAME increased nitrite outflow especially at upper coronary perfusion pressure values (43.05% at 120 cmH₂O) and did not change significantly superoxide anion production or index of lipid peroxidation versus control values, respectively. The results clearly showed that on isolated rat hearts at gradually increased constant perfusion pressure, folic acid increased coronary flow, increased nitrite outflow, decreased superoxide anion production, and increased index of lipid peroxidation. These effects were reversed or blocked by l-NAME thus demonstrating mediation or at least participation of NO in the mechanism of the folic acid-induced effects.     

Glycolysis and glucose oxidation during reperfusion of ischemic hearts from diabetic rats

Stimulationg of glucose oxidation by dichloroacetate (DCA) treatment is beneficial during recovery of ischemic hearts from non-diabetic rats. We therfore determined whether DCA treatment of diabetic rat hearts (in which glucose use is extremely low), increases recovery of function of hearts reperfused following ischemia. Isolated working hearts from 6 week streptozotocindiabetic rats were perfused with 11 mM [2-³H/U-¹⁴C]glucose, 1.2 mM palmitate, 20 μU/ml insulin, and subjected to 30 min of no flow ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. Heart function (expressed as the product of heart rate and peak systolic pressure), prior to ischemia, was depressed in diabetic hearts compared to controls (HR × PSP × 10^?3 was 18.2 ± 1 and 24.3 ± 1 beats/mm Hg/min in diabetic and control hearts respectively) but recover to pre-ischemic levels following ischemia, whereas recovery of control of control hearts was significantly decreased (17.8 ± 1 and 11.9 ± 3 beats/mm Hg/min in diabetic and control hearts respectively). This enhanced recovery of diabetic rat hearts occurred even though glucose oxidation during reperfusion was significantly reduced as compared to controls (39 ± 6 and 208 ± 42 nmol/min/g dry wt, in diabetic and control hearts respectively). Glycolytic rate (³G₂O production) during reperfusion were similar in diabetic and control hearts (1623 ± 359 and 2071 ± 288 nmol/min/g dry wt, respectively). If DCA (1 mM) was added at reperfusion, hearts from control animals exhibited a significant improvement in function (HR × PSP × 10^? recovered to 20 ± 4 beats/mm Hg/min) that was accompanied by a 4-fold increase in glucose oxidation (from 208 ± 42 to 753 ± 111 nmol/min/g dry wt). DCA was without effect on functional recovery of diabetic rat hearts during reperfusion but did significantly increase glucose oxidation from 39 ± 6 to 179 ± 44 nmol/min/g dry wt). These data suggests that, unlike control hearts, low glucose oxidation rates are not an important factor in reperfusion recovery of previouskly ischemic diabetic rat hearts.     

Advantages of perfluorochemical perfusion in the isolated working rabbit heart preparation using 31P-NMR

Quantitative 31P-NMR and enzymatic analysis of high-energy phosphates were used to characterize an isolated perfused working rabbit heart preparation. In this model, the left side of the heart works against a physiological after-load. Two perfusates, Krebs-Henseleit saline and the perfluorocarbon emulsion FC-43 (perfluorotributylamine), were evaluated in their ability to maintain cardiac function and high-energy phosphate metabolites over a period of 2-3 h. Adenine nucleotides ATP, ADP, phosphocreatine and inorganic phosphate (Pi) were measured by 31P-NMR while monitoring cardiac output and coronary flow. Intracellular pH was determined using the chemical shift of Pi. At the end of each experiment, hearts were freeze clamped and enzymatically assayed for adenine nucleotides, phosphocreatine and Pi. In every experiment, hearts perfused with FC-43 emulsion maintained the same rate of cardiac output as hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit saline, but with half the coronary flow rate: FC-43, 22 +/- 2.5 (n = 5), Krebs-Henseleit saline 42 +/- 2.7 (n = 6) ml/min, P less than 0.001. Hearts perfused with FC-43 emulsion showed higher [phosphocreatine] and [ATP] measured by 31P-NMR. For [phosphocreatine]: FC-43 3.2 +/- 0.7 (n = 5), Krebs-Henseleit saline 1.7 +/- 0.2 (n = 6) mumol/g wet wt., P less than 0.01. For [ATP]: FC-43 1.8 +/- 0.7 (n = 5), Krebs-Henseleit saline 0.9 +/- 0.2 (n = 6) mumol/g wet wt., P less than 0.02. [phosphocreatine] and [ATP] determined by 31P-NMR values were identical within experimental error to those values obtained by enzymatic analysis. Comparing [Pi] determined by both methods, 36% of Pi in FC-43-perfused hearts, and only 24% of Pi in Krebs-Henseleit saline-perfused hearts were visible by NMR, indicating that a large proportion of Pi is bound in the intact functioning heart. Similar results were obtained for [ADP]. Using the combined techniques of 31P-NMR and enzymatic assay, we have shown in this model of the isolated working rabbit heart preparation, that FC-43 emulsion maintains significantly better function and high-energy phosphate levels than Krebs-Henseleit saline.     

Effects of insulin on the metabolism of the isolated working rat heart perfused with undiluted rat blood

Working rat hearts were perfused with either buffer or with defibrinated, undiluted rat blood dialyzed to remove vasoconstrictor factors. With precautions taken for sterility in the preparation of the perfusate and the apparatus, hearts were obtained which were stable as judged by stroke rate and cardiac output. In these hearts, cardiac output and coronary flow averaged 46.0 and 1.7 ml/g heart per min, respectively. Perfusion with erythrocyte-free buffer depressed cardiac output by 30%, while coronary flow averaged 8.8 ml/g of heart per min. The mean stroke rate of blood-perfused hearts was 300 beats/min but only 240 beats/min during buffer perfusion. In blood-perfused hearts, insulin did not alter stroke rate but significantly lowered coronary flow. The hormone caused a transient increase in cardiac output in hearts perfused with buffer. Insulin did not alter glucose uptake in buffer-perfused hearts but increased lactate release in perfusions with blood. Both serum fatty acids and triacylglycerol fatty acids were significant metabolic fuels in hearts perfused with undiluted blood. The preparation described would appear to be potentially useful for the study of myocardial metabolism in vitro.     

The effect of myosin ATPase inhibition on metabolic and functional recovery of isolated rat heart after global ischemia

The effect of myosin ATPase inhibitor, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) used in the range of concentrations 1.25–10.0 mM), on recovery of functions of isolated rat heart subjected to normothermic (37 °C) total ischemia for 35 min has been investigated. BDM perfusion was performed at a flow rate of 4 ml/min during 5 min before ischemia (BDM-I) or before 25-min reperfusion (BDM-R). Control hearts were perfused with Krebs solution at the same flow rate. The highest functional recovery of heart and coronary vessels was observed during infusion of 2.5 mM BDM before ischemia. At the end of reperfusion ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) content in hearts of this group was significantly higher whereas the level of lactate was two times lower than in control; total creatine content (ΣCr) did not differ from the initial level. Similar but less pronounced changes in the improvement of aerobic metabolism and maintenance of ΣCr after reperfusion were also observed in the case of infusion of 2.5 mM BDM before reperfusion. They were consistent with reduced recovery of functions of heart and coronary flow compared with these parameters observed in the BDM-I group. 2.5 mM BDM caused almost 2-fold decrease in release of cardiac lactate dehydrogenase into myocardial perfusate in the BDM-I and BDM-R groups (compared with control); this suggests lower damage of cell membranes. These results suggest that improvement of energy supply of postischemic cardiomyocytes may be a key factor determining cardioprotector effectiveness of short-term administration of BDM before ischemia.     

Effects of 4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1β-D-ribonucleoside on adenine nucleotide catabolism in the aortic wall; Implications for atherosclerosis in ApoE-/-LDLR-/- mice

ABSTRACT

4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is an endogenously produced nucleoside that had been identified as a substrate for intracellular phosphorylation to form intracellular nucleotides. Previous studies demonstrated that 4PYR adversely affects metabolism of endothelial cells that is known risk factor for atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of 4PYR on the progression of atherosclerosis and changes in extracellular nucleotides degradation on the surface of the vessel wall in the murine model. Methods. Two month old ApoE-/-LDLR-/- mice were subcutaneously injected with 4PYR (4P) twice per day for one month or with saline in controls (C). Then, at the age of eight month hydrolysis rates of ATP, AMP and adenosine were evaluated in the intact aorta sections by HPLC based assays. Oil Red O (ORO) staining that indicates lipid deposition was quantified spectrophotometrically after extraction from the vessel. Serum amyloid A (SAA) content was analyzed with ELISA. Results. Adenosine deamination rate (activity of eADA) increased from 8.7±1.4 nmol/min/cm² in C to 16.0±2.6 nmol/min/cm² in 4P (p<0.05). AMP dephosphorylation rate (activity of e5NT) and ATP hydrolysis rate (activity of eNTPD) were not different between C and 4P. ORO staining in the aorta of 4P mice increased by 75% as compared to C (p<0.01) while SAA content was similar in both groups. Conclusions. This data demonstrated that prolonged exposure to 4PYR of ApoE-/-LDLR-/- mice results in sustained elevation of vascular eADA activity and increased ORO staining indicating endothelial impairment and accelerated atherosclerosis.     

Mechanical function and fatty acid oxidation in the neonatal pig heart with ischemia and reperfusion

We investigated mechanical function and exogenous fatty acid oxidation in neonatal pig hearts subjected to ischemia, followed by reperfusion. Isolated, isovolumically-beating hearts, from pigs 12 h to 2 days of age, were perfused with an erythrocyte-enriched (hematocrit approximately 15%) solution (37 degrees C). All hearts were studied for 30 min. with a perfusion pressure of 60 mmHg (pre-ischemia). One group of hearts (low-flow ischemia, N = 12) was then perfused for 30 min. with a perfusion pressure of approximately 12 mmHg. In the other group (no-flow ischemic arrest, N = 9), the perfusion pressure was zero for 30 min. Following ischemia in both groups, the perfusion pressure was restored to 60 mmHg for 40 min. (reperfusion). Pre-ischemia parameters for all hearts averaged: left ventricular peak systolic pressure, 99.0 +/- 2.0 mmHg; end diastolic pressure, 1.9 +/- 0.2 mmHg; coronary flow, 3.4 +/- 0.1 ml/min per g; myocardial oxygen consumption, 56.6 +/- 1.6 microliter/min per g and fatty acid oxidation, 33.4 +/- 1.4 nmol/min per g. During low-flow ischemia, hearts released lactate, and the corresponding parameters decreased to: 30.7 +/- 0.9 mmHg; 1.2 +/- 0.3 mmHg; 0.8 +/- 0.1 ml/min per g; 26.6 +/- 2.3 microliters/min per g and 12.9 +/- 1.1 nmol/min per g, respectively. Early in reperfusion in both groups, all parameters, except for fatty acid oxidation, exceeded pre-ischemia values, before recovering to near pre-ischemia values. Late in reperfusion, however, rates of fatty acid oxidation exceeded pre-ischemia rates by approximately 60%. Thus, the neonatal pig heart demonstrated similar recovery following 30 min of low-flow ischemia or no-flow ischemic arrest.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Selenium in cardiology and angiology

The effect selenium in the form of sodium selenite on central hemodynamic conditions and coronary artery flow was studied in pig hearts infarcted by a ligature of the ramus interventricularis anterior. Infusions of sodium selenite solutions at levels of 1–3 mg/kg body wt improved the survival of infarcted pigs. Both short-term and long-term protective effects of selenite could be demonstrated. It is of potential therapeutic importance that sodium selenite administration suppresses the electrical vulnerability of the cell membrane, notably the occurrence of ventricular late potentials in the ischemic border zone. Coronary blood circulation, as evidenced by an increase of heart rate and coronary artery dilatation and peripheral vasodilatation was also improved. The pulsatile coronary blood flow thus is altered, increasing total perfusion of the infarcted heart. Initial observations with human subjects suggest that selenium deficiency is a factor in the pathogenesis of ischemic and arteriosclerotic heart disease. In 54 hospitalized patients with clinical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, serum selenium levels were 670±266 nmol/L, as compared to 981±209 nmol/L in 93 healthy controls. In 32 patients with general arteriosclerosis, the serum Se level was 375±85 nmol/L, in 64 patients with arteriosclerotic occlusional disease in the leg region, 366±85 nmol/L, respectively. Serum selenium levels of healthy subjects were found to be age-and sex dependent. In men, the selenium concentrations reached maximum levels of 1083 nmol/L in the 41–50 y age group. In women in the same age group, the serum Se level was 1385 nmol/L. Evidence is presented to suggest that selenium is preventing oxidative damage of heart cell membranes by lipid peroxidation.     

Metabolism of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-??-d-ribonucleoside (4PYR) in rodent tissues and in vivo

Our previous studies identified 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) phosphates in human erythrocytes. We demonstrated formation of these nucleotides by phosphorylation of 4PYR and potential toxicity due to disruption of erythrocyte energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the other cell types to phosphorylate 4PYR to characterize function and toxicity of these compounds. Homogenates of rat heart, kidneys, and liver were used to study the rate of 4PYR phosphorylation in the presence of ATP. In another experiment, 4PYR was administered into mouse as repeated subcutaneous injections and into rats as intraperitoneal infusion. After 7 days, heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and skeletal muscle were collected, and the concentration of 4PYR nucleotides was evaluated. HPLC was used to measure 4PYR and 4PYR nucleotides in homogenate and specimens from in vivo experiments. 4PYR was rapidly phosphorylated by the liver homogenate (390 ± 27 nmol/min/g wet wt). Significant rates were reported in the heart and kidneys' homogenates: 34.3 ± 4.3 nmol/min/g and 33.2 ± 9.2 nmol/min/g, respectively. Phosphorylation of 4PYR was almost completely inhibited by adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-iodotubercidin. Administration of 4PYR in vivo resulted in accumulation of 4PYR monophosphate in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and lung (20-220 nmol/g dry wt) except kidney (<1 nmol/g). In contrast to erythrocytes, no 4PYR triphosphate formation (<1 nmol/g) was observed in any of the organs studied. We conclude that not only the erythrocytes but also other cell types are capable of phosphorylating 4PYR to form 4PYR monophosphate. Potential toxicity or physiological role of 4PYR in peripheral organs could be considered, but mechanisms will be different from that in erythrocytes.     

Changes in cardiac nucleotide metabolism in Huntington's disease

ABSTRACT

Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenic neurodegenerative disorder with a significant peripheral component to the disease pathology. This includes an HD-related cardiomyopathy, with an unknown pathological mechanism. In this study, we aimed to define changes in the metabolism of cardiac nucleotides using the well-established R6/2 mouse model. In particular, we focused on measuring the activity of enzymes that control ATP and other adenine nucleotides in the cardiac pool, including eNTPD, AMPD, e5′NT, ADA, and PNP. We employed HPLC to assay the activities of these enzymes by measuring the concentrations of adenine nucleotide catabolites in the hearts of symptomatic R6/2 mice. We found a reduced activity of AMPD (12.9 ± 1.9 nmol/min/mg protein in control; 7.5 ± 0.5 nmol/min/mg protein in R6/2) and e5′NT (11.9 ± 1.7 nmol/min/mg protein in control; 6.7 ± 0.7 nmol/min/mg protein in R6/2). Moreover, we detected an increased activity of ADA (1.3 ± 0.2 nmol/min/mg protein in control; 5.2 ± 0.5 nmol/min/mg protein in R6/2), while no changes in eNTPD and PNP activities were observed. Analysis of cardiac adenine nucleotide catabolite levels revealed an increased inosine level (0.7 ± 0.01 nmol/mg dry tissue in control; 2.7 ±0.8 nmol/mg dry tissue in R6/2) and a reduced concentration of cardiac adenosine (0.9 ± 0.2 nmol/mg dry tissue in control; 0.2 ± 0.08 nmol/mg dry tissue in R6/2). This study highlights a decreased rate of degradation of cardiac nucleotides in HD mouse model hearts, and an increased capacity for adenosine deamination, that may alter adenosine signaling.     

Real-time measurement of nitric oxide by luminol-hydrogen peroxide reaction in crystalloid perfused rat heart

The objective of this study was to develop an assay system that allows continuous monitoring of nitric oxide (NO) released from crystalloid perfused hearts. We utilized chemiluminescence reaction between NO and luminol-H(2)O(2) to quantify the NO level in coronary effluent. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to ordinary Langendorff's perfusion, and the right ventricle was cannulated to sample coronary effluent. After equilibration, the coronary flow rate was set constant and the hearts were paced at 300 bpm. Coronary effluent was continuously sampled and mixed with the chemiluminescent probe containing 0.018 mmol/l luminol plus 10 mmol/l H(2)O(2). Chemiluminescence from the mixture of coronary effluent and the probe was continuously measured. NO concentration was calibrated by various concentrations (0.5-400 pmol/l) of standard NO solution. The lower detection limit of NO was 1 pmol/l. Basal NO release from isolated perfused rat heart was 0.41 +/- 0.17 pmol/min/g of heart weight, and that was significantly suppressed by 0.1 mmol/l of L-NAME to 0.18 +/- 0.10 pmol/min/g of heart weight (n = 7). Application of 0.1 and 0.3 micromol/l acetylcholine increased NO level in the coronary effluent, in a concentration-dependent manner, from 6.6 +/- 1.7 in a baseline condition to 16.3 +/- 7.4 and 30.3 +/- 16.1 pmol/l at each peak, respectively. Thrombin at 1 and 10 U/ml also increased NO level from 17.6 +/- 4.3 in control to 35.5 +/- 10.4 and 48.7 +/- 8.7 pmol/l at each peak, respectively (n = 7). Thus, this assay system is applicable to the continuous real-time measurement of NO released from crystalloid perfused hearts, and it may be useful for the study of physiological or pathophysiological role of NO in coronary circulation.     

Isolated hearts treated with skeletal muscle homogenates exhibit altered function

Skeletal muscle fiber damage and necrosis can result in the release of intracellular molecules into the extracellular environment. These molecules, termed damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), can act as signals capable of initiating immune and/or inflammatory responses through interactions with pattern recognition receptors. To investigate whether skeletal muscle DAMPs interact with the heart and alter cardiac function, isolated rat hearts were perfused for 75 min with buffer containing 1 μg/ml of either soleus (slow), white gastrocnemius (WG, fast), or heat-stressed white gastrocnemius (HSWG) skeletal muscle homogenates. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and rates of pressure increase/decrease (±dP/dt) were measured using the Langendorff technique. Compared to controls, no changes in LVDP or +dP/dt were observed over the 75-min perfusion when homogenates from the WG muscles were added. In contrast, at 30 min and thereafter, a decreased LVDP and +dP/dt was observed in the hearts treated with soleus muscle homogenates. The hearts treated with HSWG homogenates also showed a decrease in LVDP from 45 min until the end of perfusion. These results suggest that molecules present in slow muscle and heat-stressed muscle are capable of altering cardiac function. Thus, muscle fiber type and/or heat shock protein content of skeletal muscles may be factors that influence cardiac function following skeletal muscle damage.     

Macrocompartmentation of total creatine in cardiomyocytes revisited

Distribution of total creatine (free creatine + phosphocreatine) between two subcellular macrocompartments – mitochondrial matrix space and cytoplasm – in heart and skeletal muscle cells was reinvestigated by using a permeabilized cell technique. Isolated cardiomyocytes were treated with saponin (50 g/ml for 30 min or 600 g/ml for 1 min) to open the outer cellular membrane and release the metabolites from cytoplasm (cytoplasmic fraction, CF). All mitochondrial population in permeabilized cells remained intact: the outer membrane was impermeable for exogenous cytochrome c, the acceptor control index of respiration exceeded 10, the mitochondrial creatine kinase reaction was fully coupled to the adenine nucleotide translocator. Metabolites were released from mitochondrial fraction (MF) by 2–5% Triton X100. Total cellular pool of free creatine + phosphocreatine (69.6 ± 2.1 nmoles per mg of protein) was found exclusively in CF and was practically absent in MF. When fibers were prepared from perfused rat hearts, cellular distribution of creatine was not dependent on functional state of the heart and only slightly modified by ischemia. It is concluded that there is no stable pool of creatine or phosphocreatine in the mitochondrial matrix in the intact muscle cells, and the total creatine pool is localized in only one macrocompartment – cytoplasm.     

尾加压素Ⅱ对正常及缺血-再灌注离体大鼠心脏的影响

在正常Langendorff灌流与缺血-再灌注(停灌20 min-复灌20 min)离体大鼠心脏模型,观察尾加压素Ⅱ(urotensin Ⅱ,UⅡ)对冠脉流量、心功能和心肌代谢的影响以及心肌UⅡ受体的功能,以探讨UⅡ的心脏效应。对正常心脏给予0.1、1和10 nmol/L UⅡ各5 min,然后换洗5 min,对停灌缺血-再灌注心脏在再灌注期给予1或10nmol/L UⅡ。监测心率、左室内压和左室内压升降的最大变化率等心功能指标,计算冠脉流量,测定冠脉流出液中总蛋白和肌红蛋白含量以及乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性。灌流结束后,测定心肌丙二醛(MDA)含量和质膜UⅡ结合位点(放射性配基结合法)。结果如下:(1)正常心脏灌流UⅡ后,冠脉流量和心功能呈浓度依赖下降,换洗后没有完全恢复。心肌蛋白、肌红蛋白和LDH漏出随UⅡ浓度的增加而增加,换洗后迅速减少。UⅡ组心肌MDA含量与对照组差异无显著性。(2)缺血-再灌注后,冠脉流量显著减少,心功能显著抑制,再灌注期心肌蛋白、肌红蛋白和LDH明显漏出;给予UⅡ后,上述变化增强,且高浓度组更强,与对照组差异有显著性(P<<0.01),再灌注后心肌MDA含量亦显著高于对照(P<0.01)。(3)缺血-再灌注心肌质膜UⅡ受体的B_(max)显著高于正常对照心肌(14.65±1.78vs20.53±1.98 fmol/mg pr,P<0.01),Kd值变化无统计学意义。上述结果表明,在正常     

Antioxidant treatment prevents cardiac protein oxidation after ischemia-reperfusion and improves myocardial function and coronary perfusion in senescent hearts.

Cardiovascular ageing is associated with an increase in cardiac susceptibility to ischaemia and reperfusion and production of reactive oxygen species has been suspected to be responsible for this age-associated particular vulnerability. To determine whether administration of antioxidant treatment could afford some protection against ischaemia and reperfusion during aging, isolated perfused hearts from adult and senescent rats were submitted to normoxia (180 min), prolonged low-flow ischaemia (15% of initial coronary flow;180 min) or low-flow ischaemia/reperfusion (45 min/30 min), without or with antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase+catalase; 50IU/ml). Contractile function and coronary perfusion were measured and protein oxidation was quantitated in left ventricle after normoxia, ischaemia and ischaemia/reperfusion. Protein oxidation was higher in senescent than in adult hearts after ischaemia-reperfusion, in contrast to prolonged ischaemia. During prolonged ischaemia, antioxidant treatment prevented coronary vasoconstriction at both ages and delayed contractile dysfunction in senescent hearts but did not limit protein oxidation. During reperfusion, antioxidant treatment prevented coronary vasoconstriction and protein oxidation at both ages and considerably improved recovery of contractile function in senescent hearts. In conclusion, antioxidant treatment fully protects the senescent heart against ischaemia/reperfusion but not against prolonged ischaemia injury, indicating that oxidative stress plays a central role in the age-associated vulnerability to ischaemia-reperfusion.     

Direct evidence for a role of intramitochondrial Ca2+ in the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in the stimulated rat heart. Studies using 31P n.m.r. and ruthenium red.

1. The concentrations of free ATP, phosphocreatine (PCr), Pi, H+ and ADP (calculated) were monitored in perfused rat hearts by 31P n.m.r. before and during positive inotropic stimulation. Data were accumulated in 20 s blocks. 2. Administration of 0.1 microM-(-)-isoprenaline resulted in no significant changes in ATP, transient decreases in PCr, and transient increases in ADP and Pi. However, the concentrations of all of these metabolites returned to pre-stimulated values within 1 min, whereas cardiac work and O2 uptake remained elevated. 3. In contrast, in hearts perfused continuously with Ruthenium Red (2.5 micrograms/ml), a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, administration of isoprenaline caused significant decreases in ATP, and also much larger and more prolonged changes in the concentrations of ADP, PCr and Pi. In this instance values did not fully return to pre-stimulated concentrations. Administration of Ruthenium Red alone to unstimulated hearts had minor effects. 4. It is proposed that, in the absence of Ruthenium Red, the transmission of changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ across the mitochondrial inner membrane is able to maintain the phosphorylation potential of the heart during positive inotropic stimulation, through activation of the Ca2+-sensitive intramitochondrial dehydrogenases (pyruvate, NAD+-isocitrate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenases) leading to enhanced NADH production. 5. This mechanism is unavailable in the presence of Ruthenium Red, and oxidative phosphorylation must be stimulated primarily by a fall in phosphorylation potential, in accordance with the classical concept of respiratory control. However, the full oxidative response of the heart to stimulation may not be achievable under such circumstances.