American Journal of Physiology-heart and Circulatory Physiology, Feb 1, 1995
We investigated the role of Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in relaxation and cyt... more We investigated the role of Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in relaxation and cytosolic free [Ca] ([Ca]i) decline during steady-state (SS) and postrest (PR) twitches in intact rat ventricular myocytes. Half-time of mechanical relaxation and time constant of [Ca]i decline (tau) were twofold greater during PR than with SS at 1 Hz. This difference was 1) abolished by inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca accumulation by thapsigargin or caffeine; 2) greater at higher stimulation frequency and extracellular [Ca], which affected only SS tau; 3) abolished by the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (10 microM, which selectively accelerated [Ca]i decline during PR); 4) still present during stimulation or inhibition of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by 10 microM forskolin or 1 microM H-89, respectively (SS and PR tau values were abbreviated and prolonged, respectively); and 5) suppressed by 10 microM KN-62, a selective inhibitor of CaMKII, which selectively prolonged [Ca]i decline during SS twitches. Both protein kinase inhibitors were also shown to decrease the SR Ca-uptake rate in digitonin-permeabilized rat myocytes. We conclude that CaMKII plays a major role in modulation of relaxation in rat ventricular myocytes, enhancing SR Ca uptake in a activity-dependent fashion. Our results are also compatible with a background, activity-independent stimulation of SR Ca uptake by PKA in intact rat myocytes.
American Journal of Physiology-heart and Circulatory Physiology, Aug 1, 1997
Evidence has shown that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac cells releases Ca not only dur... more Evidence has shown that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac cells releases Ca not only during excitation-contraction coupling but also during diastole, albeit at a much lower rate. This diastolic SR Ca release (leak) has also been implicated in the generation of spontaneous depolarization in latent atrial pacemaker cells of the cat right atrium. In the present work, we sought to measure Ca transients in pacemaker and nonpacemaker cells of the cat using the fluorescent Ca indicator indo 1. Atrial latent pacemaker cells develop a slow Ca transient when rested in the presence of both Na- and Ca-free solution and thapsigargin [used to inhibit Na/Ca exchange and SR Ca adenosinetriphosphatase (Ca-ATPase), respectively]. This increase in cytosolic Ca concentration ([Ca]i) is probably caused by the rate of SR Ca leak exceeding the capacity of the remaining Ca transport systems (e.g., sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase and mitochondrial Ca uptake). However, neither cat sinoatrial (SA) node cells nor myocytes from cat atrium or ventricle exhibited a similar increase in [Ca]i during the same protocol. This indicates that SR Ca leak in these cells occurred at a rate low enough to be within the capacity of the slow Ca transporters, as observed previously in rabbit ventricular myocytes. When atrial and ventricular myocytes were stimulated at higher frequencies, sufficient to markedly increase diastolic and systolic [Ca]i and approach Ca overload (and spontaneous activity), they responded to inhibition of SR Ca-ATPase and Na/Ca exchange with a slow Ca transient similar to that normally observed in atrial latent pacemaker cells. Furthermore, the SR Ca depletion by thapsigargin did not affect spontaneous activity of SA node cells, but it prevented or slowed pacemaker activity in the atrial latent pacemaker cells. These findings suggest that enhanced diastolic SR Ca efflux contributes significantly to the generation of spontaneous activity in atrial subsidiary pacemakers under normal conditions and in Ca-overloaded myocytes but not in SA node cells.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Oct 1, 1994
The influence of the Na-Ca exchange (NaCaX) on the effects of rest (30-300 s) on twitch amplitude... more The influence of the Na-Ca exchange (NaCaX) on the effects of rest (30-300 s) on twitch amplitude and SR Ca content (assessed by caffeine contractures) was studied in ventricular myocytes isolated from rat and rabbit. In control conditions, rabbit cells showed monotonic rest-decay of the amplitudes of both twitch and caffeine contractures, while rat myocytes developed rest-potentiation of twitches without change in SR Ca content. Inhibition of the Na-Ca exchange during rest by perfusion with 0Na,0Ca solution did not affect the responses in rat cells but abolished rest-dependent SR Ca loss in rabbit cells. Indeed, when NaCaX was blocked during rest, then rabbit cells, like rat, displayed rest-potentiation of twitches. Stimulation of net Ca extrusion via NaCaX during rest by perfusion with 0Ca solution induced rest-decay of twitches and caffeine contractures in rat cells similar to that observed in rabbit cells. This maneuver also accelerated decline in SR Ca during rest and amplitude of the first post-rest twitch in rabbit myocytes. These effects were only slightly enhanced by preperfusion with 0Na,0Ca solution to deplete Nai. We were thus able to interconvert the contractile responses to rest between these cell types solely by modifying the driving force for Ca transport by the exchange. Our results indicate that SR Ca is lost during quiescence in both species, but only if the NaCaX is able to promote diastolic Ca extrusion will net decline of SR Ca (and twitch amplitude) occur. On the other hand, post-rest twitch potentiation in both rat and rabbit cells can occur without a change in SR Ca content. This effects might be attributable, at least in part, to a slow phase of recovery of excitation-contraction coupling.
American Journal of Physiology-cell Physiology, Aug 1, 1993
Using caffeine-induced contractures (Ccaf) and thapsigargin (TG), we estimated the fraction of sa... more Using caffeine-induced contractures (Ccaf) and thapsigargin (TG), we estimated the fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca released at one twitch and also the number of twitches required to reload a Ca-depleted SR. Similar results were obtained for twitches or intracellular Ca (Cai) transient with the fluorescent indicator, indo 1. Sustained exposure to 10 mM caffeine completely depletes the SR of Ca in < 5 s (as assessed by a second Ccaf). After such Ca depletion, four to five twitches are necessary to reload the SR to the steady-state level (with a twitch constant, tau = 1.6 twitches). We also determined the time required for complete inhibition of the SR Ca-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) by TG. After SR Ca depletion, 5 microM TG was applied for different periods of time before a train of "reloading" twitches. A TG exposure period of 90 s was sufficient to completely prevent Ccaf after these reloading twitches. When SR is Ca depleted, the twitch is larger in the presence of TG, indicating that the SR Ca-ATPase can limit the ability of Ca influx to activate contraction. To assess SR Ca released at one twitch in cells with normally Ca-loaded SR, 5 microM TG was applied for 90 s to prevent SR Ca reuptake. Then one or several twitches were activated (causing SR Ca release, but with reuptake completely blocked). After the twitch (or train), a Ccaf was used to assess remaining SR Ca.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Several studies have shown tha... more Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Several studies have shown that inflammation plays a key role in different cardiac diseases and Toll like receptors (TLR’s) play an important role in cardiac complications. In the present study, we investigated whether the activation of TLR4 induces cardiac electrical remodeling and arrhythmias. Also the signaling pathway involved in these phenomena was studied. Action potentials, the presence of cardiac arrhythmias and transient outward K + current (I to ) were recorded in Wistar rat’s hearts after 24 h exposure to the TLR4 agonist ultrapure Lipopolysaccharide (LPS - 1μg/ml). TLR4 stimulation in vitro promotes a cardiac electrical remodeling that leads to cardiac action potential prolongation which evokes arrhythmic events such as delayed after depolarization (DAD's) and triggered activity. The perfusion of LPS (1μg/ml) during 30 minutes did not modify I to . Conversely, after 24 h of LPS incubation I to was reduced, with no changes in the biophysical properties of the current. Major changes in Ca 2+ cycling were not observed in ventricular myocytes after 24 h exposure to LPS; however, extrasystolic activity was present in a considerable number of cells (25%). Neither the blockade of Interleulink-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 nor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) prevented the LPS effect on I to . However, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) inhibition prevented the effect of TLR4 activation on I to . Activation of TLR4 induced extrasystolic activity, longer AP duration and evoked DAD's and triggered activity because of a reduction in I to . The mechanism involved is MyD88-independent and IRF3-dependent.
... Autor: Godoy, Carlos Marcelo G. de; Bassani, Rosana A; Bassani, José Wilson M. Título: Metodo... more ... Autor: Godoy, Carlos Marcelo G. de; Bassani, Rosana A; Bassani, José Wilson M. Título: Metodologia para induçäo de arritmia cardíaca in vitro / Methodology for in vitro cardiac arrhythmia induction. Fonte: In: Schiabel, Homero; Slaets, Annie France Frère; Costa, Luciano da ...
Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most frequent type of cardiac arrhythmia, are associated with increa... more Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most frequent type of cardiac arrhythmia, are associated with increased stroke risk. Reentry and focal activity are considered as the main mechanisms underlying this dysfunction. In this study, we describe determination of the vectorelectrogram in isolated rat atria as a means to distinguish different patterns of electrical propagation. In all studied right atria beating at sinus rhythm, the mean electric vector (MEV) trajectory was clockwise, and each cycle was preceded by electric diastole (null MEV), either in the absence or presence of muscarinic cholinergic or beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation. During cholinergic tachyarrhythmia (induced by high-rate electric stimulation in both atria, plus exposure to carbachol in left atria), vector loops were ellipsoidal and stable, with variable direction, and did not cross the origin, which is consistent with reentrant activation and with findings obtained in vivo by other authors. In contrast, during spontaneous activity induced by rapid pacing in isoproterenol-exposed left atria, vector loops were similar to those in right atria at sinus rhythm, thus suggestive of focal activity. It is concluded that the vectorelectrogram approach allows discrimination of different patterns of propagation during arrhythmia in isolated atria and may be useful for high-output tests of pro- and anti-arrhythmic compounds.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Dec 1, 2013
Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most common type of cardiac arrhythmias, are associated with greater... more Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most common type of cardiac arrhythmias, are associated with greater stroke risk. Muscarinic cholinergic agonists have been shown to facilitate atrial tachyarrhythmia maintenance in the absence of cardiac disease. This has been attributed to action potential shortening, which enhances myocardial electrical anisotropy, and thus creates a substrate for reentrant excitation. In this study, we describe a similar effect of the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (KATP) opener pinacidil on tachyarrhythmia induction in isolated rat atria. Pinacidil, which activates a weakly inwardly-rectifying current in isolated atrial myocytes, enhanced arrhythmia induction in the right and left atria. This effect was abolished by the KATP blocker glibenclamide, but not by atropine, which rules out a possible indirect effect due to stimulation of acetylcholine release. However, pinacidil attenuated carbachol-induced tachyarrhythmia facilitation, which may indicate that the action of these agonists converges to a common cellular mechanism. Both agonists caused marked action potential shortening in isolated atrial myocytes. Moreover, during arrhythmia in the presence of pinacidil and carbachol, the atrial vectorelectrographic patterns were similar and consistent with reentrant propagation of the electrical activity. From these results, we conclude that the KATP channel opening is pro-arrhythmic in atrial tissue, which may pose as an additional risk in the scenario of myocardial hypoxia. Moreover, the similarity of the electrophysiological effects of pinacidil and carbachol is suggestive that the sole increase in background K(+) conductance is sufficient for atrial tachyarrhythmia facilitation.
Pflügers Archiv: European Journal of Physiology, Aug 7, 2007
Hypertonic NaCl solutions have been used for small-volume resuscitation from hypovolemic shock. W... more Hypertonic NaCl solutions have been used for small-volume resuscitation from hypovolemic shock. We sought to identify osmolality- and Na(+)-dependent components of the effects of the hyperosmotic NaCl solution (85 mOsm/kg increment) on contraction and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. The biphasic change in contraction and Ca(2+) transient amplitude (decrease followed by recovery) was accompanied by qualitatively similar changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content and fractional release and was mimicked by isosmotic, equimolar increase in extracellular [Na(+)] ([Na(+)](o)). Raising osmolality with sucrose, however, augmented systolic [Ca(2+)](i) monotonically without change in SR parameters and markedly decreased contraction amplitude and diastolic cell length. Functional SR inhibition with thapsigargin abolished hyperosmolality effects on [Ca(2+)](i). After 15-min perfusion, both hyperosmotic solutions slowed mechanical relaxation during twitches and [Ca(2+)](i) decline during caffeine-evoked transients, raised diastolic and systolic [Ca(2+)](i), and depressed systolic contractile activity. These effects were greater with sucrose solution, and were not observed after isosmotic [Na(+)](o) increase. We conclude that under the present experimental conditions, transmembrane Na(+) redistribution apparently plays an important role in determining changes in SR Ca(2+) mobilization, which markedly affect contractile response to hyperosmotic NaCl solutions and attenuate the osmotically induced depression of contractile activity.
The effects of hyperosmotic NaCI and sucrose solutions on the responsiveness to noradrena- line (... more The effects of hyperosmotic NaCI and sucrose solutions on the responsiveness to noradrena- line (NA) were studied in isolated rat right and left atria. 2. Sucrose caused subsensitivity to NA and isoprenaline in right atria, which was abolished by atropine. 3. NaCI caused subsensitivity only to NA in both atria, which was reversed by imipramine. 4. Both solutions decreased the maximum tension of left atria after maximal NA and Ca 2+ concentrations. 5. The results suggest that hyperosmolality reduces the atrial responsiveness to NA by directly depressing contractility and increasing acetylcholine release. However, if the solute is NaC1, the main mechanism seems to be an increase of the catecholamine neuronal uptake.
ABSTRACT Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and cardiac muscle force development rely on the r... more ABSTRACT Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and cardiac muscle force development rely on the regulation of both release (through channels or ryanodine receptors, RyR) and uptake (by an ATPase) of Ca2+ by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In this work, we propose an experimental model in which Ca2+ transport is simplified by using a thermodynamic approach to inhibit part of the cellular Ca2+ transporters but keeping functional the SR release and uptake as almost sole transporters. Instead of membrane excitation, electrically quiescent cells were stimulated with brief caffeine pulses (10 mM, 0.1 s duration). The method was tested experimentally and the results were compared to mathematical simulations performed by using a modified version of the mathematical model of Ca2+ cycling in cardiomyocytes previously proposed [1]. Results indicated that the experimental model is suitable to study properties of the SR-cytosol Ca2+ transport in intact cells without significant interference of other competing transporters (e.g. Na+/ Ca2+ exchanger).
American Journal of Physiology-heart and Circulatory Physiology, Feb 1, 1995
We investigated the role of Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in relaxation and cyt... more We investigated the role of Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in relaxation and cytosolic free [Ca] ([Ca]i) decline during steady-state (SS) and postrest (PR) twitches in intact rat ventricular myocytes. Half-time of mechanical relaxation and time constant of [Ca]i decline (tau) were twofold greater during PR than with SS at 1 Hz. This difference was 1) abolished by inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca accumulation by thapsigargin or caffeine; 2) greater at higher stimulation frequency and extracellular [Ca], which affected only SS tau; 3) abolished by the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (10 microM, which selectively accelerated [Ca]i decline during PR); 4) still present during stimulation or inhibition of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by 10 microM forskolin or 1 microM H-89, respectively (SS and PR tau values were abbreviated and prolonged, respectively); and 5) suppressed by 10 microM KN-62, a selective inhibitor of CaMKII, which selectively prolonged [Ca]i decline during SS twitches. Both protein kinase inhibitors were also shown to decrease the SR Ca-uptake rate in digitonin-permeabilized rat myocytes. We conclude that CaMKII plays a major role in modulation of relaxation in rat ventricular myocytes, enhancing SR Ca uptake in a activity-dependent fashion. Our results are also compatible with a background, activity-independent stimulation of SR Ca uptake by PKA in intact rat myocytes.
American Journal of Physiology-heart and Circulatory Physiology, Aug 1, 1997
Evidence has shown that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac cells releases Ca not only dur... more Evidence has shown that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac cells releases Ca not only during excitation-contraction coupling but also during diastole, albeit at a much lower rate. This diastolic SR Ca release (leak) has also been implicated in the generation of spontaneous depolarization in latent atrial pacemaker cells of the cat right atrium. In the present work, we sought to measure Ca transients in pacemaker and nonpacemaker cells of the cat using the fluorescent Ca indicator indo 1. Atrial latent pacemaker cells develop a slow Ca transient when rested in the presence of both Na- and Ca-free solution and thapsigargin [used to inhibit Na/Ca exchange and SR Ca adenosinetriphosphatase (Ca-ATPase), respectively]. This increase in cytosolic Ca concentration ([Ca]i) is probably caused by the rate of SR Ca leak exceeding the capacity of the remaining Ca transport systems (e.g., sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase and mitochondrial Ca uptake). However, neither cat sinoatrial (SA) node cells nor myocytes from cat atrium or ventricle exhibited a similar increase in [Ca]i during the same protocol. This indicates that SR Ca leak in these cells occurred at a rate low enough to be within the capacity of the slow Ca transporters, as observed previously in rabbit ventricular myocytes. When atrial and ventricular myocytes were stimulated at higher frequencies, sufficient to markedly increase diastolic and systolic [Ca]i and approach Ca overload (and spontaneous activity), they responded to inhibition of SR Ca-ATPase and Na/Ca exchange with a slow Ca transient similar to that normally observed in atrial latent pacemaker cells. Furthermore, the SR Ca depletion by thapsigargin did not affect spontaneous activity of SA node cells, but it prevented or slowed pacemaker activity in the atrial latent pacemaker cells. These findings suggest that enhanced diastolic SR Ca efflux contributes significantly to the generation of spontaneous activity in atrial subsidiary pacemakers under normal conditions and in Ca-overloaded myocytes but not in SA node cells.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Oct 1, 1994
The influence of the Na-Ca exchange (NaCaX) on the effects of rest (30-300 s) on twitch amplitude... more The influence of the Na-Ca exchange (NaCaX) on the effects of rest (30-300 s) on twitch amplitude and SR Ca content (assessed by caffeine contractures) was studied in ventricular myocytes isolated from rat and rabbit. In control conditions, rabbit cells showed monotonic rest-decay of the amplitudes of both twitch and caffeine contractures, while rat myocytes developed rest-potentiation of twitches without change in SR Ca content. Inhibition of the Na-Ca exchange during rest by perfusion with 0Na,0Ca solution did not affect the responses in rat cells but abolished rest-dependent SR Ca loss in rabbit cells. Indeed, when NaCaX was blocked during rest, then rabbit cells, like rat, displayed rest-potentiation of twitches. Stimulation of net Ca extrusion via NaCaX during rest by perfusion with 0Ca solution induced rest-decay of twitches and caffeine contractures in rat cells similar to that observed in rabbit cells. This maneuver also accelerated decline in SR Ca during rest and amplitude of the first post-rest twitch in rabbit myocytes. These effects were only slightly enhanced by preperfusion with 0Na,0Ca solution to deplete Nai. We were thus able to interconvert the contractile responses to rest between these cell types solely by modifying the driving force for Ca transport by the exchange. Our results indicate that SR Ca is lost during quiescence in both species, but only if the NaCaX is able to promote diastolic Ca extrusion will net decline of SR Ca (and twitch amplitude) occur. On the other hand, post-rest twitch potentiation in both rat and rabbit cells can occur without a change in SR Ca content. This effects might be attributable, at least in part, to a slow phase of recovery of excitation-contraction coupling.
American Journal of Physiology-cell Physiology, Aug 1, 1993
Using caffeine-induced contractures (Ccaf) and thapsigargin (TG), we estimated the fraction of sa... more Using caffeine-induced contractures (Ccaf) and thapsigargin (TG), we estimated the fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca released at one twitch and also the number of twitches required to reload a Ca-depleted SR. Similar results were obtained for twitches or intracellular Ca (Cai) transient with the fluorescent indicator, indo 1. Sustained exposure to 10 mM caffeine completely depletes the SR of Ca in < 5 s (as assessed by a second Ccaf). After such Ca depletion, four to five twitches are necessary to reload the SR to the steady-state level (with a twitch constant, tau = 1.6 twitches). We also determined the time required for complete inhibition of the SR Ca-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) by TG. After SR Ca depletion, 5 microM TG was applied for different periods of time before a train of "reloading" twitches. A TG exposure period of 90 s was sufficient to completely prevent Ccaf after these reloading twitches. When SR is Ca depleted, the twitch is larger in the presence of TG, indicating that the SR Ca-ATPase can limit the ability of Ca influx to activate contraction. To assess SR Ca released at one twitch in cells with normally Ca-loaded SR, 5 microM TG was applied for 90 s to prevent SR Ca reuptake. Then one or several twitches were activated (causing SR Ca release, but with reuptake completely blocked). After the twitch (or train), a Ccaf was used to assess remaining SR Ca.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Several studies have shown tha... more Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Several studies have shown that inflammation plays a key role in different cardiac diseases and Toll like receptors (TLR’s) play an important role in cardiac complications. In the present study, we investigated whether the activation of TLR4 induces cardiac electrical remodeling and arrhythmias. Also the signaling pathway involved in these phenomena was studied. Action potentials, the presence of cardiac arrhythmias and transient outward K + current (I to ) were recorded in Wistar rat’s hearts after 24 h exposure to the TLR4 agonist ultrapure Lipopolysaccharide (LPS - 1μg/ml). TLR4 stimulation in vitro promotes a cardiac electrical remodeling that leads to cardiac action potential prolongation which evokes arrhythmic events such as delayed after depolarization (DAD's) and triggered activity. The perfusion of LPS (1μg/ml) during 30 minutes did not modify I to . Conversely, after 24 h of LPS incubation I to was reduced, with no changes in the biophysical properties of the current. Major changes in Ca 2+ cycling were not observed in ventricular myocytes after 24 h exposure to LPS; however, extrasystolic activity was present in a considerable number of cells (25%). Neither the blockade of Interleulink-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 nor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) prevented the LPS effect on I to . However, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) inhibition prevented the effect of TLR4 activation on I to . Activation of TLR4 induced extrasystolic activity, longer AP duration and evoked DAD's and triggered activity because of a reduction in I to . The mechanism involved is MyD88-independent and IRF3-dependent.
... Autor: Godoy, Carlos Marcelo G. de; Bassani, Rosana A; Bassani, José Wilson M. Título: Metodo... more ... Autor: Godoy, Carlos Marcelo G. de; Bassani, Rosana A; Bassani, José Wilson M. Título: Metodologia para induçäo de arritmia cardíaca in vitro / Methodology for in vitro cardiac arrhythmia induction. Fonte: In: Schiabel, Homero; Slaets, Annie France Frère; Costa, Luciano da ...
Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most frequent type of cardiac arrhythmia, are associated with increa... more Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most frequent type of cardiac arrhythmia, are associated with increased stroke risk. Reentry and focal activity are considered as the main mechanisms underlying this dysfunction. In this study, we describe determination of the vectorelectrogram in isolated rat atria as a means to distinguish different patterns of electrical propagation. In all studied right atria beating at sinus rhythm, the mean electric vector (MEV) trajectory was clockwise, and each cycle was preceded by electric diastole (null MEV), either in the absence or presence of muscarinic cholinergic or beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation. During cholinergic tachyarrhythmia (induced by high-rate electric stimulation in both atria, plus exposure to carbachol in left atria), vector loops were ellipsoidal and stable, with variable direction, and did not cross the origin, which is consistent with reentrant activation and with findings obtained in vivo by other authors. In contrast, during spontaneous activity induced by rapid pacing in isoproterenol-exposed left atria, vector loops were similar to those in right atria at sinus rhythm, thus suggestive of focal activity. It is concluded that the vectorelectrogram approach allows discrimination of different patterns of propagation during arrhythmia in isolated atria and may be useful for high-output tests of pro- and anti-arrhythmic compounds.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Dec 1, 2013
Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most common type of cardiac arrhythmias, are associated with greater... more Atrial tachyarrhythmias, the most common type of cardiac arrhythmias, are associated with greater stroke risk. Muscarinic cholinergic agonists have been shown to facilitate atrial tachyarrhythmia maintenance in the absence of cardiac disease. This has been attributed to action potential shortening, which enhances myocardial electrical anisotropy, and thus creates a substrate for reentrant excitation. In this study, we describe a similar effect of the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (KATP) opener pinacidil on tachyarrhythmia induction in isolated rat atria. Pinacidil, which activates a weakly inwardly-rectifying current in isolated atrial myocytes, enhanced arrhythmia induction in the right and left atria. This effect was abolished by the KATP blocker glibenclamide, but not by atropine, which rules out a possible indirect effect due to stimulation of acetylcholine release. However, pinacidil attenuated carbachol-induced tachyarrhythmia facilitation, which may indicate that the action of these agonists converges to a common cellular mechanism. Both agonists caused marked action potential shortening in isolated atrial myocytes. Moreover, during arrhythmia in the presence of pinacidil and carbachol, the atrial vectorelectrographic patterns were similar and consistent with reentrant propagation of the electrical activity. From these results, we conclude that the KATP channel opening is pro-arrhythmic in atrial tissue, which may pose as an additional risk in the scenario of myocardial hypoxia. Moreover, the similarity of the electrophysiological effects of pinacidil and carbachol is suggestive that the sole increase in background K(+) conductance is sufficient for atrial tachyarrhythmia facilitation.
Pflügers Archiv: European Journal of Physiology, Aug 7, 2007
Hypertonic NaCl solutions have been used for small-volume resuscitation from hypovolemic shock. W... more Hypertonic NaCl solutions have been used for small-volume resuscitation from hypovolemic shock. We sought to identify osmolality- and Na(+)-dependent components of the effects of the hyperosmotic NaCl solution (85 mOsm/kg increment) on contraction and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. The biphasic change in contraction and Ca(2+) transient amplitude (decrease followed by recovery) was accompanied by qualitatively similar changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content and fractional release and was mimicked by isosmotic, equimolar increase in extracellular [Na(+)] ([Na(+)](o)). Raising osmolality with sucrose, however, augmented systolic [Ca(2+)](i) monotonically without change in SR parameters and markedly decreased contraction amplitude and diastolic cell length. Functional SR inhibition with thapsigargin abolished hyperosmolality effects on [Ca(2+)](i). After 15-min perfusion, both hyperosmotic solutions slowed mechanical relaxation during twitches and [Ca(2+)](i) decline during caffeine-evoked transients, raised diastolic and systolic [Ca(2+)](i), and depressed systolic contractile activity. These effects were greater with sucrose solution, and were not observed after isosmotic [Na(+)](o) increase. We conclude that under the present experimental conditions, transmembrane Na(+) redistribution apparently plays an important role in determining changes in SR Ca(2+) mobilization, which markedly affect contractile response to hyperosmotic NaCl solutions and attenuate the osmotically induced depression of contractile activity.
The effects of hyperosmotic NaCI and sucrose solutions on the responsiveness to noradrena- line (... more The effects of hyperosmotic NaCI and sucrose solutions on the responsiveness to noradrena- line (NA) were studied in isolated rat right and left atria. 2. Sucrose caused subsensitivity to NA and isoprenaline in right atria, which was abolished by atropine. 3. NaCI caused subsensitivity only to NA in both atria, which was reversed by imipramine. 4. Both solutions decreased the maximum tension of left atria after maximal NA and Ca 2+ concentrations. 5. The results suggest that hyperosmolality reduces the atrial responsiveness to NA by directly depressing contractility and increasing acetylcholine release. However, if the solute is NaC1, the main mechanism seems to be an increase of the catecholamine neuronal uptake.
ABSTRACT Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and cardiac muscle force development rely on the r... more ABSTRACT Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and cardiac muscle force development rely on the regulation of both release (through channels or ryanodine receptors, RyR) and uptake (by an ATPase) of Ca2+ by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In this work, we propose an experimental model in which Ca2+ transport is simplified by using a thermodynamic approach to inhibit part of the cellular Ca2+ transporters but keeping functional the SR release and uptake as almost sole transporters. Instead of membrane excitation, electrically quiescent cells were stimulated with brief caffeine pulses (10 mM, 0.1 s duration). The method was tested experimentally and the results were compared to mathematical simulations performed by using a modified version of the mathematical model of Ca2+ cycling in cardiomyocytes previously proposed [1]. Results indicated that the experimental model is suitable to study properties of the SR-cytosol Ca2+ transport in intact cells without significant interference of other competing transporters (e.g. Na+/ Ca2+ exchanger).
Uploads
Papers by Rosana Bassani