Inhibition of NHE protects reoxygenated cardiomyocytes independently of anoxic Ca2+ overload and acidosis
We investigated the question of whether inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) during ischemia is protective due to reduction of cytosolic Ca2+ accumulation or enhanced acidosis in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, the role of the Na+-HCO3 − symporter (NBS) was investigated. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to simulated ischemia and reoxygenation. Cytosolic pH [2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF)], Ca2+ (fura 2), Na+ [sodium-binding benzolfuran isophthatlate (SBFI)], and cell length were measured. NHE was inhibited with 3 μmol/l HOE 642 or 1 μmol/l 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA), and NBS was inhibited with HEPES buffer. During anoxia in bicarbonate buffer, cells developed acidosis and intracellular Na and Ca (Nai and Cai, respectively) overload. During reoxygenation cells underwent hypercontracture (44.0 ± 4.1% of the preanoxic length). During anoxia in bicarbonate buffer, inhibition of NHE had no effect on changes in intracellular pH (pHi), Nai, and Cai, but it significantly reduced the reoxygenation-induced hypercontracture (HOE: 61.0 ± 1.4%, EIPA: 68.2 ± 1.8%). The sole inhibition of NBS during anoxia was not protective. We conclude that inhibition of NHE during anoxia protects cardiomyocytes against reoxygenation injury independently of cytosolic acidification and Cai overload.