scholarly journals Induced overexpression of phospholemman S68E mutant improves cardiac contractility and mortality after ischemia-reperfusion

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (7) ◽  
pp. H1066-H1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
JuFang Wang ◽  
Jianliang Song ◽  
Erhe Gao ◽  
Xue-Qian Zhang ◽  
Tongda Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Cardiac Contractility ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Similar Survival

Phospholemman (PLM), when phosphorylated at Ser68, inhibits cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) and relieves its inhibition on Na+-K+-ATPase. We have engineered mice in which expression of the phosphomimetic PLM S68E mutant was induced when dietary doxycycline was removed at 5 wk. At 8–10 wk, compared with noninduced or wild-type hearts, S68E expression in induced hearts was ∼35–75% that of endogenous PLM, but protein levels of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, α1- and α2-subunits of Na+-K+-ATPase, α1c-subunit of L-type Ca2+ channel, and phosphorylated ryanodine receptor were unchanged. The NCX1 protein level was increased by ∼47% but the NCX1 current was depressed by ∼34% in induced hearts. Isoproterenol had no effect on NCX1 currents but stimulated Na+-K+-ATPase currents equally in induced and noninduced myocytes. At baseline, systolic intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents, and [Ca2+]i transient and contraction amplitudes were similar between induced and noninduced myocytes. Isoproterenol stimulation resulted in much higher systolic [Ca2+]i, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, and [Ca2+]i transient and contraction amplitudes in induced myocytes. Echocardiography and in vivo close-chest catheterization demonstrated similar baseline myocardial function, but isoproterenol induced a significantly higher +dP/d t in induced compared with noninduced hearts. In contrast to the 50% mortality observed in mice constitutively overexpressing the S68E mutant, induced mice had similar survival as wild-type and noninduced mice. After ischemia-reperfusion, despite similar areas at risk and left ventricular infarct sizes, induced mice had significantly higher +dP/d t and −dP/d t and lower perioperative mortality compared with noninduced mice. We propose that phosphorylated PLM may be a novel therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease.

Accelerated onset of heart failure in mice during pressure overload with chronically decreased SERCA2 calcium pump activity

2004 ◽  
Vol 286 (3) ◽  
pp. H1146-H1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo El J. Schultz ◽  
Betty J. Glascock ◽  
Sandra A. Witt ◽  
Michelle L. Nieman ◽  
Kalpana J. Nattamai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Contractility ◽  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Human Heart Failure ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Lv Mass ◽  
Pump Activity

We recently developed a mouse model with a single functional allele of Serca2 ( Serca2+/–) that shows impaired cardiac contractility and relaxation without overt heart disease. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic reduction in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)2 levels in combination with an increased hemodynamic load will result in an accelerated pathway to heart failure. Age-matched wild-type and Serca2+/– mice were subjected to 10 wk of pressure overload via transverse aortic coarctation surgery. Cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure were assessed by echocardiography, gravimetry/histology, hemodynamics, and Western blotting analyses. Our results showed that ∼64% of coarcted Serca2+/– mice were in heart failure compared with 0% of coarcted wild-type mice ( P < 0.05). Overall, morbidity and mortality were greatly increased in Serca2+/– mice under pressure overload. Echocardiography assessment revealed a significant increase in left ventricular (LV) mass, and LV hypertrophy in coarcted Serca2+/– mice converted from a concentric to an eccentric pattern, similar to that seen in human heart failure. Coarcted Serca2+/– mice had decreased contractile/systolic and relaxation/diastolic performance and/or function compared with coarcted wild-type mice ( P < 0.05), despite a similar duration and degree of pressure overload. SERCA2a protein levels were significantly reduced (>50%) in coarcted Serca2+/– mice compared with noncoarcted and coarcted wild-type mice. Our findings suggest that reduction in SERCA2 levels in combination with an increased hemodynamic load results in an accelerated pathway to heart failure.

scholarly journals Induced overexpression of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger transgene: altered myocyte contractility, [Ca2+]i transients, SR Ca2+ contents, and action potential duration

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (2) ◽  
pp. H590-H601 ◽  
Author(s):  
JuFang Wang ◽  
Tung O. Chan ◽  
Xue-Qian Zhang ◽  
Erhe Gao ◽  
Jianliang Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potential Duration ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Current Amplitude ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Cellular Hypertrophy ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Myocyte Contractility

We have produced mice in which expression of the rat cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) transgene was switched on when doxycycline was removed from the feed at 5 wk. At 8 to 10 wk, NCX1 expression in induced (Ind) mouse hearts was 2.5-fold higher but protein levels of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, α1- and α2-subunits of Na+-K+-ATPase, phospholamban, ryanodine receptor, calsequestrin, and unphosphorylated and phosphorylated phospholemman were unchanged compared with wild-type (WT) or noninduced (non-Ind) hearts. There was no cellular hypertrophy since WT, non-Ind, and Ind myocytes had similar whole cell membrane capacitance. In Ind myocytes, NCX1 current amplitude was ∼42% higher, L-type Ca2+ current amplitude was unchanged, and action potential duration was prolonged compared with WT or non-Ind myocytes. Contraction and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transient amplitudes in Ind myocytes were lower at 0.6, not different at 1.8, and higher at 5.0 mM extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) compared with WT or non-Ind myocytes. Despite similar Ca2+ current amplitude and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ uptake, SR Ca2+ content at 5.0 mM [Ca2+]o was significantly higher in Ind compared with non-Ind myocytes, indicating that NCX1 directly contributed to SR Ca2+ loading. Echocardiography demonstrated that heart rate, left ventricular mass, ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output were similar among the three groups of animals. In vivo close-chest catheterization demonstrated similar contractility and relaxation among the three groups of mice, both at baseline and after stimulation with isoproterenol. We conclude that induced expression of NCX1 transgene resulted in altered [Ca2+]i homeostasis, myocyte contractility, and action potential morphology. In addition, heart failure did not occur 3 to 5 wk after NCX1 transgene was induced to be expressed at levels found in diseased hearts.

Is reduced SERCA2a expression detrimental or beneficial to postischemic cardiac function and injury? Evidence from heterozygous SERCA2a knockout mice

2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (3) ◽  
pp. H1426-H1434 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Hassan Talukder ◽  
Anuradha Kalyanasundaram ◽  
Li Zuo ◽  
Murugesan Velayutham ◽  
Yoshinori Nishijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Paramagnetic Resonance ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Serca Pump ◽  
Resonance Spin ◽  
Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion

Recent studies have demonstrated that increased expression of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) 2a improves myocardial contractility and Ca2+ handling at baseline and in disease conditions, including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Conversely, it has also been reported that pharmacological inhibition of SERCA might improve postischemic function in stunned hearts or in isolated myocardium following I/R. The goal of this study was to test how decreases in SERCA pump level/activity affect cardiac function following I/R. To address this question, we used a heterozygous SERCA2a knockout (SERCA2a+/−) mouse model with decreased SERCA pump levels and studied the effect of myocardial stunning (20-min ischemia followed by reperfusion) and infarction (30-min ischemia followed by reperfusion) following 60-min reperfusion. Our results demonstrate that postischemic myocardial relaxation was significantly impaired in SERCA2a+/− hearts with both stunning and infarction protocols. Interestingly, postischemic recovery of contractile function was comparable in SERCA2a+/− and wild-type hearts subjected to stunning. In contrast, following 30-min ischemia, postischemic contractile function was reduced in SERCA2a+/− hearts with significantly larger infarction. Rhod-2 spectrofluorometry revealed significantly higher diastolic intracellular Ca2+ in SERCA2a+/− hearts compared with wild-type hearts. Both at 30-min ischemia and 2-min reperfusion, intracellular Ca2+ levels were significantly higher in SERCA2a+/− hearts. Electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping showed a similar extent of postischemic free-radical generation in both strains. These data provide direct evidence that functional SERCA2a level, independent of oxidative stress, is crucial for postischemic myocardial function and salvage during I/R.

Expression of SERCA isoform with faster Ca2+ transport properties improves postischemic cardiac function and Ca2+ handling and decreases myocardial infarction

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (4) ◽  
pp. H2418-H2428 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Hassan Talukder ◽  
Anuradha Kalyanasundaram ◽  
Xue Zhao ◽  
Li Zuo ◽  
Poornima Bhupathy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Myocardial Infarct ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Myocardial Salvage ◽  
Myocardial Infarct Size ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Developed Pressure

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with contractile dysfunction, arrhythmias, and myocyte death. Intracellular Ca2+ overload with reduced activity of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) is a critical mechanism of this injury. Although upregulation of SERCA function is well documented to improve postischemic cardiac function, there are conflicting reports where pharmacological inhibition of SERCA improved postischemic function. SERCA2a is the primary cardiac isoform regulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis; however, SERCA1a has been shown to substitute SERCA2a with faster Ca2+ transport kinetics. Therefore, to further address this issue and to evaluate whether SERCA1a expression could improve postischemic cardiac function and myocardial salvage, in vitro and in vivo myocardial I/R studies were performed on SERCA1a transgenic (SERCA1a+/+) and nontransgenic (NTG) mice. Langendorff-perfused hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by reperfusion. Baseline preischemic coronary flow and left ventricular developed pressure were significantly greater in SERCA1a+/+ mice compared with NTG mice. Independent of reperfusion-induced oxidative stress, SERCA1a+/+ hearts demonstrated greatly improved postischemic (45 min) contractile recovery with less persistent arrhythmias compared with NTG hearts. Morphometry showed better-preserved myocardial structure with less infarction, and electron microscopy demonstrated better-preserved myofibrillar and mitochondrial ultrastructure in SERCA1a+/+ hearts. Importantly, intraischemic Ca2+ levels were significantly lower in SERCA1a+/+ hearts. The cardioprotective effect of SERCA1a was also observed during in vivo regional I/R with reduced myocardial infarct size after 24 h of reperfusion. Thus SERCA1a+/+ hearts were markedly protected against I/R injury, suggesting that expression of SERCA 1a isoform reduces postischemic Ca2+ overload and thus provides potent myocardial protection.

scholarly journals Constitutive overexpression of phosphomimetic phospholemman S68E mutant results in arrhythmias, early mortality, and heart failure: potential involvement of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (3) ◽  
pp. H770-H781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianliang Song ◽  
Erhe Gao ◽  
JuFang Wang ◽  
Xue-Qian Zhang ◽  
Tung O. Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Lv Mass ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Constitutive Overexpression

Expression and activity of cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) are altered in many disease states. We engineered mice in which the phosphomimetic phospholemman S68E mutant (inhibits NCX1 but not Na+-K+-ATPase) was constitutively overexpressed in a cardiac-specific manner (conS68E). At 4–6 wk, conS68E mice exhibited severe bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, increased left ventricular (LV) mass, decreased cardiac output (CO), and ∼50% mortality compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. Protein levels of NCX1, calsequestrin, ryanodine receptor, and α1- and α2-subunits of Na+-K+-ATPase were similar, but sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase was lower, whereas L-type Ca2+ channels were higher in conS68E hearts. Resting membrane potential and action potential amplitude were similar, but action potential duration was dramatically prolonged in conS68E myocytes. Diastolic intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was higher, [Ca2+]i transient and maximal contraction amplitudes were lower, and half-time of [Ca2+]i transient decline was longer in conS68E myocytes. Intracellular Na+ reached maximum within 3 min after isoproterenol addition, followed by decline in WT but not in conS68E myocytes. Na+/Ca2+ exchange, L-type Ca2+, Na+-K+-ATPase, and depolarization-activated K+ currents were decreased in conS68E myocytes. At 22 wk, bradycardia and increased LV mass persisted in conS68E survivors. Despite comparable baseline CO, conS68E survivors at 22 wk exhibited decreased chronotropic, inotropic, and lusitropic responses to isoproterenol. We conclude that constitutive overexpression of S68E mutant was detrimental, both in terms of depressed cardiac function and increased arrhythmogenesis.

Na+-K+-ATPase α2-isoform expression in guinea pig hearts during transition from compensation to decompensation

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (4) ◽  
pp. H1972-H1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Trouve ◽  
François Carre ◽  
Ioulia Belikova ◽  
Christophe Leclercq ◽  
Thierry Dakhli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mean Arterial Pressure ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Ventricular Hypertrophy ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
T Tubules

Disturbance in ionic gradient across sarcolemma may lead to arrhythmias. Because Na+-K+-ATPase regulates intracellular Na+ and K+concentrations, and therefore intracellular Ca2+concentration homeostasis, our aim was to determine whether changes in the Na+-K+-ATPase α-isoforms in guinea pigs during transition from compensated (CLVH) to decompensated left ventricular hypertrophy (DLVH) were concomitant with arrhythmias. After 12- and 20-mo aortic stenosis, CLVH and DLVH were characterized by increased mean arterial pressure (30% and 52.7%, respectively). DLVH differed from CLVH by significantly increased end-diastolic pressure (34%), decreased sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (−75%), and increased Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (25%) mRNA levels and by the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. The α-isoform (mRNA and protein levels) was significantly lower in DLVH (2.2 ± 0.2- and 1.4 ± 0.15-fold, respectively, vs. control) than in CLVH (3.5 ± 0.4- and 2.2 ± 0.13-fold, respectively) and was present in sarcolemma and T tubules. Changes in the levels of α1- and α3-isoform in CLVH and DLVH appear physiologically irrelevant. We suggest that the increased level of α2-isoform in CLVH may participate in compensation, whereas its relative decrease in DLVH may enhance decompensation and arrhythmias.

Insights into cardioprotection obtained from study of cellular Ca2+ handling in myocardium of true hibernating mammals

2004 ◽  
Vol 286 (6) ◽  
pp. H2219-H2228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsuko Yatani ◽  
Song-Jung Kim ◽  
Raymond K. Kudej ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Christophe Depre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Exchange Current ◽  
Natural Resistance ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
And Control

Mammalian hibernators exhibit remarkable resistance to low body temperature, whereas nonhibernating (NHB) mammals develop ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmias. To investigate this adaptive change, we compared contractile and electrophysiological properties of left ventricular myocytes isolated from hibernating (HB) woodchucks ( Marmota monax) and control NHB woodchucks. The major findings of this study were the following: 1) the action potential duration in HB myocytes was significantly shorter than in NHB myocytes, but the amplitude of peak contraction was unchanged; 2) HB myocytes had a 33% decreased L-type Ca2+ current ( ICa) density and twofold faster ICa inactivation but no change in the current-voltage relationship; 3) there were no changes in the density of inward rectifier K+ current, transient outward K+ current, or Na+/Ca2+ exchange current, but HB myocytes had increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content as estimated from caffeine-induced Na+/Ca2+ exchange current values; 4) expression of the L-type Ca2+ channel α1C-subunit was decreased by 30% in HB hearts; and 5) mRNA and protein levels of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), phospholamban, and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger showed a pattern that is consistent with functional measurements: SERCA2a was increased and phospholamban was decreased in HB relative to NHB hearts with no change in the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Thus reduced Ca2+ channel density and faster ICa inactivation coupled to enhanced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release may underlie shorter action potentials with sustained contractility in HB hearts. These changes may account for natural resistance to Ca2+ overload-related ventricular dysfunction and point to an important cardioprotective mechanism during true hibernation.

scholarly journals Regulation of in vivo cardiac contractility by phospholemman: role of Na+/Ca2+ exchange

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (3) ◽  
pp. H859-H868 ◽  
Author(s):  
JuFang Wang ◽  
Erhe Gao ◽  
Joseph Rabinowitz ◽  
Jianliang Song ◽  
Xue-Qian Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Cardiac Contractility ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Adeno Associated Virus ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Virus Serotype ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Phospholemman (PLM), when phosphorylated at serine 68, relieves its inhibition on Na+-K+-ATPase but inhibits Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) in cardiac myocytes. Under stress when catecholamine levels are high, enhanced Na+-K+-ATPase activity by phosphorylated PLM attenuates intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) overload. To evaluate the effects of PLM on NCX1 on in vivo cardiac contractility, we injected recombinant adeno-associated virus (serotype 9) expressing either the phosphomimetic PLM S68E mutant or green fluorescent protein (GFP) directly into left ventricles (LVs) of PLM-knockout (KO) mice. Five weeks after virus injection, ∼40% of isolated LV myocytes exhibited GFP fluorescence. Expression of S68E mutant was confirmed with PLM antibody. There were no differences in protein levels of α1- and α2-subunits of Na+-K+-ATPase, NCX1, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase between KO-GFP and KO-S68E LV homogenates. Compared with KO-GFP myocytes, Na+/Ca2+ exchange current was suppressed, but resting [Na+]i, Na+-K+-ATPase current, and action potential amplitudes were similar in KO-S68E myocytes. Resting membrane potential was slightly lower and action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) was shortened in KO-S68E myocytes. Isoproterenol (Iso; 1 μM) increased APD90 in both groups of myocytes. After Iso, [Na+]i increased monotonically in paced (2 Hz) KO-GFP but reached a plateau in KO-S68E myocytes. Both systolic and diastolic [Ca2+]i were higher in Iso-stimulated KO-S68E myocytes paced at 2 Hz. Echocardiography demonstrated similar resting heart rate, ejection fraction, and LV mass between KO-GFP and KO-S68E mice. In vivo closed-chest catheterization demonstrated enhanced contractility in KO-S68E compared with KO-GFP hearts stimulated with Iso. We conclude that under catecholamine stress when [Na+]i is high, PLM minimizes [Na+]i overload by relieving its inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase and preserves inotropy by simultaneously inhibiting Na+/Ca2+ exchanger.

scholarly journals Impaired Cardiac Contractility Response to Hemodynamic Stress in S100A1-Deficient Mice

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 2821-2829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Jun Du ◽  
Timothy J. Cole ◽  
Nora Tenis ◽  
Xiao-Ming Gao ◽  
Frank Köntgen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Contractility ◽  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Contractility ◽  
Adrenergic Stimulation ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Hemodynamic Stress ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Ef Hand

ABSTRACT Ca2+ signaling plays a central role in cardiac contractility and adaptation to increased hemodynamic demand. We have generated mice with a targeted deletion of the S100A1 gene coding for the major cardiac isoform of the large multigenic S100 family of EF hand Ca2+-binding proteins. S100A1−/− mice have normal cardiac function under baseline conditions but have significantly reduced contraction rate and relaxation rate responses to β-adrenergic stimulation that are associated with a reduced Ca2+ sensitivity. In S100A1−/− mice, basal left-ventricular contractility deteriorated following 3-week pressure overload by thoracic aorta constriction despite a normal adaptive hypertrophy. Surprisingly, heterozygotes also had an impaired response to acute β-adrenergic stimulation but maintained normal contractility in response to chronic pressure overload that coincided with S100A1 upregulation to wild-type levels. In contrast to other genetic models with impaired cardiac contractility, loss of S100A1 did not lead to cardiac hypertrophy or dilation in aged mice. The data demonstrate that high S100A1 protein levels are essential for the cardiac reserve and adaptation to acute and chronic hemodynamic stress in vivo.

Testosterone-augmented contractile responses to α1- and β1-adrenoceptor stimulation are associated with increased activities of RyR, SERCA, and NCX in the heart

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (4) ◽  
pp. C766-C782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Tsang ◽  
Stanley S. C. Wong ◽  
Song Wu ◽  
Gennadi M. Kravtsov ◽  
Tak-Ming Wong
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Contractile Responses ◽  
Adrenoceptor Antagonist ◽  
Cardiac Contractile ◽  
Plasmic Reticulum ◽  
Adrenoceptor Agonist ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Developed Pressure ◽  
Stimulation Of

We hypothesized that testosterone at physiological levels enhances cardiac contractile responses to stimulation of both α1- and β1-adrenoceptors by increasing Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and speedier removal of Ca2+ from cytosol via Ca2+-regulatory proteins. We first determined the left ventricular developed pressure, velocity of contraction and relaxation, and heart rate in perfused hearts isolated from control rats, orchiectomized rats, and orchiectomized rats without and with testosterone replacement (200 μg/100 g body wt) in the presence of norepinephrine (10−7 M), the α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (10−6 M), or the nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (10−7 M) in the presence of 5 × 10−7 M ICI-118,551, a β2-adrenoceptor antagonist. Next, we determined the amplitudes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration transients induced by electrical stimulation or caffeine, which represent, respectively, Ca2+ release via the ryanodine receptor (RyR) or releasable Ca2+ in the SR, in ventricular myocytes isolated from the three groups of rats. We also measured 45Ca2+ release via the RyR. We then determined the time to 50% decay of both transients, which represents, respectively, Ca2+ reuptake by sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and removal via the sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). We correlated Ca2+ removal from the cytosol with activities of SERCA and its regulator phospholamban as well as NCX. The results showed that testosterone at physiological levels enhanced positive inotropic and lusitropic responses to stimulation of α1- and β1-adrenoceptors via the androgen receptor. The increased contractility and speedier relaxation were associated with increased Ca2+ release via the RyR and faster Ca2+ removal out of the cytosol via SERCA and NCX.

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