Abstract 64: Conditional Knockout of Activin Like Kinase-1 (ALK-1) Leads to Heart Failure Without Maladaptive Remodeling

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Morine ◽  
Vikram Paruchuri ◽  
Xiaoying Qiao ◽  
Emily Mackey ◽  
Jonathan Levine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Remodeling ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Type I ◽  
Total Body Mass

Activin like kinase 1 (ALK1) mediates signaling via the TGFb family of ligands. ALK1 activity promotes endothelial proliferation and migration. Reduced ALK1 activity is associated with arteriovenous malformations. No studies have examined the effect of global ALK1 deletion on indices of cardiac remodeling. We hypothesized that reduced levels of ALK1 promote maladaptive cardiac remodeling. Methods: We employed an ALK1 conditional knockout mice (cKO) harboring the ROSA26-CreER knock-in allele whereby a single dose of intraperitoneal tamoxifen triggered ubiquitous Cre recombinase mediated excision of floxed ALK1 alleles. Tamoxifen treated wild-type (WT-Tam; n=5) and vehicle treated ALK1-cKO mice (cKO-Veh; n=5) served as controls for tamoxifen treated ALK1-cKO mice (cKO-Tam; n=15). Results: ALK1 cKO-Tam mice demonstrated reduced 14-day survival compared to cKO-Veh controls (33% vs 100%, respectively, p<0.01). Seven days after treatment, ALK1 cKO mice began to exhibit reduced left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening, progressive LV dilation, and gastrointestinal bleeding. After 14 days total body mass was reduced, but LV and lung mass increased in cKO-Tam not cKO-Veh mice. Peak LV systolic pressure, contractility, and arterial elastance were reduced, but LV end-diastolic pressure and stroke volume increased in cKO-Tam, not cKO-Veh mice. LV ALK1 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in cKO-Tam, not cKO-Veh mice. LV levels of other TGFb-family ligands and receptors (ALK5, TBRII, BMPRII, Endoglin, BMP7, BMP9, and TGFB1) were unchanged between groups. Cardiomyocyte area and LV levels of BNP were increased in cKO-Tam mice, but LV levels of b-MHC, SerCA, and calcineurin were unchanged. No increase in cardiac fibrosis Type I collagen, CTGF, or PAI-1 levels were observed between groups. No differences were observed for any variable studied between cKO-Veh and WT-Tam mice. Conclusion: Global deletion of ALK1 is associated with the development of high output heart failure without maladaptive remodeling. Future studies exploring the functional role of ALK1 in cardiac remodeling are required.

Abstract 14664: Reduced Activin Like Kinase 1 Activity Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis in Heart Failure

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Morine ◽  
Vikram Paruchuri ◽  
Xiaoying Qiao ◽  
Emily Mackey ◽  
Mark Aronovitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Remodeling ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels

Introduction: Activin receptor like kinase 1 (ALK1) mediates signaling via transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb1), a pro-fibrogenic cytokine. No studies have defined a role for ALK1 in heart failure. We tested the hypothesis that reduced ALK1 expression promotes maladaptive cardiac remodeling in heart failure. Methods and Results: ALK1 mRNA expression was quantified by RT-PCR in left ventricular (LV) tissue from patients with end-stage heart failure and compared to control LV tissue obtained from the National Disease Research Interchange (n=8/group). Compared to controls, LV ALK1 mRNA levels were reduced by 85% in patients with heart failure. Next, using an siRNA approach, we tested whether reduced ALK1 levels promote TGFb1-mediated collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts. Treatment with an ALK1 siRNA reduced ALK1 mRNA levels by 75%. Compared to control, TGFb1-mediated Type I collagen and pSmad-3 protein levels were 2.5-fold and 1.7-fold higher, respectively, after ALK1 depletion. To explore a role for ALK1 in heart failure, ALK1 haploinsufficient (ALK1) and wild-type mice (WT; n=8/group) were studied 2 weeks after thoracic aortic constriction (TAC). Compared to WT, baseline LV ALK1 mRNA levels were 50% lower in ALK1 mice. Both LV and lung weights were higher in ALK1 mice after TAC. Cardiomyocyte area and LV mRNA levels of BNP, RCAN, and b-MHC were increased similarly, while SERCa levels were reduced in both ALK1 and WT mice after TAC. Compared to WT, LV fibrosis (Figure) and Type 1 Collagen mRNA and protein levels were higher among ALK1 mice. Compared to WT, LV fractional shortening (48±12 vs 26±10%, p=0.01) and survival (Figure) were lower in ALK1 mice after TAC. Conclusions: Reduced LV expression of ALK1 is associated with advanced heart failure in humans and promotes early mortality, impaired LV function, and cardiac fibrosis in a murine model of heart failure. Further studies examining the role of ALK1 and ALK1 inhibitors on cardiac remodeling are required.

Congestive Heart Failure in Copper-Deficient Mice

2003 ◽  
Vol 228 (7) ◽  
pp. 811-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Elsherif ◽  
Raymond V. Ortines ◽  
Jack T. Saari ◽  
Y. James Kang
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Left Ventricle ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Mouse Heart ◽  
Total Period

Copper Deficiency (CuD) leads to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in various experimental models. The morphological, electrophysiological, and molecular aspects of this hypertrophy have been under investigation for a long time. However the transition from compensated hypertrophy to decompensated heart failure has not been investigated in the study of CuD. We set out to investigate the contractile and hemodynamic parameters of the CuD mouse heart and to determine whether heart failure follows hypertrophy in the CuD heart. Dams of FVB mice were fed CuD or copper-adequate (CuA) diet starting from the third day post delivery and the weanling pups were fed the same diet for a total period of 5 weeks (pre- and postweanling). At week 4, the functional parameters of the heart were analyzed using a surgical technique for catheterizing the left ventricle. A significant decrease in left ventricle systolic pressure was observed with no significant change in heart rate, and more importantly contractility as measured by the maximal rate of left ventricular pressure rise (+dP/dt) and decline (−dP/dt) were significantly depressed in the CuD mice. However, left ventricle end diastolic pressure was elevated, and relaxation was impaired in the CuD animals; the duration of relaxation was prolonged. In addition to significant changes in the basal level of cardiac function, CuD hearts had a blunted response to the stimulation of the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Furthermore, morphological analysis revealed increased collagen accumulation in the CuD hearts along with lipid deposition. This study shows that CuD leads to systolic and diastolic dysfunction in association with histopathological changes, which are indices commonly used to diagnose congestive heart failure.

scholarly journals Ginsenoside Re Improves Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis and Heart Failure in Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan-wei Wang ◽  
Xiao-feng Yu ◽  
Hua-li Xu ◽  
Xue-zhong Zhao ◽  
Da-yuan Sui
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Hydroxyproline Content ◽  
Ginsenoside Re

Objective. Panax ginseng is used widely for treatment of cardiovascular disorders in China. Ginsenoside Re is the main chemical component of P. ginseng. We aimed to investigate the protective effect of ginsenoside Re on isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis and heart failure in rats. Methods. A model of myocardial fibrosis and heart failure was established by once-daily subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (5 mg/kg/day) to rats for 7 days. Simultaneously, rats were orally administrated ginsenoside Re (5 or 20 mg/kg) or vehicle daily for 4 weeks. Results. Isoproterenol enhanced the heart weight, myocardial fibrosis, and hydroxyproline content in rat hearts. Ginsenoside Re inhibited (at least in part) the isoproterenol-induced increase in heart weight, myocardial fibrosis, and hydroxyproline content. Compared with the isoproterenol group, treatment with ginsenoside Re ameliorated changes in left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and the positive and negative maximal values of the first derivative of left ventricular pressure. Ginsenoside Re administration also resulted in decreased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in serum and decreased expression of Smad3 and collagen I in heart tissue. Conclusion. Ginsenoside Re can improve isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis and heart failure by regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway.

scholarly journals Novel Neuromodulation Approach to Improve Left Ventricular Contractility in Heart Failure

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Y. Reddy ◽  
Jan Petrů ◽  
Filip Málek ◽  
Lee Stylos ◽  
Steve Goedeke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Decompensated Heart Failure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Contractility ◽  
Right Pulmonary Artery ◽  
The Right

Background: Morbidity and mortality outcomes for patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure are poor and have not significantly changed in decades. Current therapies are focused on symptom relief by addressing signs and symptoms of congestion. The objective of this study was to test a novel neuromodulation therapy of stimulation of epicardial cardiac nerves passing along the posterior surface of the right pulmonary artery. Methods: Fifteen subjects admitted for defibrillator implantation and ejection fraction ≤35% on standard heart failure medications were enrolled. Through femoral arterial access, high fidelity pressure catheters were placed in the left ventricle and aortic root. After electro anatomic rendering of the pulmonary artery and branches, either a circular or basket electrophysiology catheter was placed in the right pulmonary artery to allow electrical intravascular stimulation at 20 Hz, 4 ms pulse width, and ≤20 mA. Changes in maximum positive dP/dt (dP/dt Max ) indicated changes in ventricular contractility. Results: Of 15 enrolled subjects, 5 were not studied due to equipment failure or abnormal pulmonary arterial anatomy. In the remaining subjects, dP/dt Max increased significantly by 22.6%. There was also a significant increase in maximum negative dP/dt (dP/dt Min ), mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and left ventricular systolic pressure. There was no significant change in heart rate or left ventricular diastolic pressure. Conclusions: In this first-in-human study, we demonstrated that in humans with stable heart failure, left ventricular contractility could be accentuated without an increase in heart rate or left ventricular filling pressures. This benign increase in contractility may benefit patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure.

Vascular β-adrenergic receptor system is dysfunctional after myocardial infarction

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (3) ◽  
pp. H1129-H1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Gaballa ◽  
Andrea Eckhart ◽  
Walter J. Koch ◽  
Steven Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Adrenergic Receptor ◽  
Vascular Reactivity ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Receptor System

We identified abnormalities in the vascular β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling pathway in heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI). To examine these abnormalities, we measured β-AR-mediated hemodynamics, vascular reactivity, and the vascular β-AR molecular signaling components in rats with heart failure after MI. Six weeks after MI, these rats had an increased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure, decreased LV systolic pressure, and decreased rate of LV pressure change (dP/d t). LV dP/d t responses to isoproterenol were shifted downward, although the responses for systemic vascular resistance were shifted upward in heart failure rats ( P < 0.05). Isoproterenol- and IBMX-induced vasorelaxations were blunted in heart failure rats ( P< 0.05) with no change in the forskolin-mediated vasorelaxation. These changes were associated with the following alterations in β-AR signaling ( P < 0.05): decreases in β-AR density (aorta: 58.7 ± 6.0 vs. 35.7 ± 1.9 fmol/mg membrane protein; carotid: 29.6 ± 5.6 vs. 18.0 ± 3.9 fmol/mg membrane protein, n = 5), increases in G protein-coupled receptor kinase activity levels (relative phosphorimage counts of 191 ± 39 vs. 259 ± 26 in the aorta and 115 ± 30 vs. 202 ± 7 in the carotid artery, n = 5), and decreases in cGMP and cAMP in the carotid artery (0.85 ± 0.10 vs. 0.31 ± 0.06 pmol/mg protein and 2.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1 pmol/mg protein, n = 5) with no change in Gαs or Gαi in the aorta. Thus in heart failure there are abnormalities in the vascular β-AR system that are similar to those seen in the myocardium. This suggests a common neurohormonal mechanism and raises the possibility that treatment in heart failure focused on the myocardium may also affect the vasculature.

scholarly journals A Porcine Model of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Induced by Chronic Pressure Overload Characterized by Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weijiang Tan ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Shuang Zheng ◽  
Xiaohui Li ◽  
Xiaoshen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Pathological Examination ◽  
Type I ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure is induced by multiple pathological mechanisms, and current therapies are ineffective against heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). As there are limited animal models of HFpEF, its underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Here, we employed the descending aortic constriction (DAC) technique to induce chronic pressure overload in the left ventricles of Tibetan minipigs for 12 weeks. Cardiac function, pathological and cellular changes, fibrotic signaling activation, and gene expression profiles were explored. The left ventricles developed concentric hypertrophy from weeks 4 to 6 and transition to dilation starting in week 10. Notably, the left ventricular ejection fraction was maintained at &gt;50% in the DAC group during the 12-week period. Pathological examination, biochemical analyses, and gene profile analysis revealed evidence of inflammation, fibrosis, cell death, and myofilament dephosphorylation in the myocardium of HFpEF model animals, together with gene expression shifts promoting cardiac remodeling and downregulating metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we noted the activation of several signaling proteins that impact cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, including transforming growth factor-β/SMAD family members 2/3, type I/III/V collagens, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and 2, interleukins 6 and 1β, and inhibitor of κBα/nuclear factor-κB. Our findings demonstrate that this chronic pressure overload-induced porcine HFpEF model is a powerful tool to elucidate the mechanisms of this disease and translate preclinical findings.

scholarly journals Elevated Swelling-Activated Chloride Current Densities in Hypertrophied Ventricular Myocytes in a Rabbit Heart Failure Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. E107-E111
Author(s):  
Hongwei Shi ◽  
Zhenming Jiang ◽  
Teng Wang ◽  
Yongting Chen ◽  
Feng Cao
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Rabbit Model ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sham Operation ◽  
Failure Group

Background: The status of the swelling-activated chloride channel (ICl, swell) during heart failure remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the ICl, swell activity is altered during heart failure and to determine how the ICl, swell influences atrial arrhythmias of the failing heart. Methods: We established a heart failure rabbit model and analyzed the hemodynamic indicators 8 weeks after myocardial infarction, which include left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVDEP). Five untreated rabbits and 5 receiving a sham operation served as the control group. Left auricular appendage tissues were obtained and CLCN3 mRNA/CLCN3 protein expression levels were examined by using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Results: Compared to the control group, the heart failure group showed a significantly decreased LVSP (14.2 ± 0.27 versus 16.9 ± 0.86 kPa, P <.05)and elevated LVDEP (2.49 ± 0.30 versus 0.15 ± 0.03 kPa, P <.05), indicating that myocardial infarction leads to progressive heart failure of rabbits in the heart failure group. CLCN3 mRNA and CLCN3 protein expression were both significantly elevated in the heart failure group compared to the control group (P <.05). Conclusion: In sum, we propose that the dynamic nature of ICl, swell upregulation may contribute to the elevated expression of CLCN3 mRNA and CLCN3 protein, resulting in myocardial cell remodeling induced by heart failure. However, further study is needed to investigate the potential functions of ICl, swell, especially the relation between ICl, swell augmentation and arrhythmia after heart failure.

Abstract 12325: Compensatory Increase of Left Atrial External Work to Left Ventricular Dysfunction During Afterload Increase: Insights Into the Mechanism of Decompensation in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuji Inoue ◽  
Toshihiko Asanuma ◽  
Kasumi Masuda ◽  
Daisuke Sakurai ◽  
Masamichi Oka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Strain Curve ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
External Work ◽  
Reservoir Function ◽  
Left Pulmonary Vein

Introduction: Afterload mismatch is considered as a cause of acute decompensation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). However, behaviors of left atrium (LA) and ventricle (LV) to afterload increase have not been fully elucidated. We investigated how LA and LV acted to acute increase in afterload using speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods: Serial echocardiographic and hemodynamic data were acquired in 10 dogs during banding of the descending aorta (AoB). LA pressure was measured by a micromanometer via left pulmonary vein. As shown in Figure, peak negative strain during LA contraction and strain change during LA relaxation (early reservoir strain) and that during systole (late reservoir strain) were generated by simultaneous acquisition of LA longitudinal strain and volume. Pressure-strain curve showed 2 loops (A-loop, V-loop) and areas in A-loop and V-loop were computed as the work during active contraction and relaxation (A-work) and that during passive filling and emptying (V-work), respectively. Results: AoB increased LV systolic pressure by about 60 mmHg, mean LA pressure (3.8±1.3 vs. 7.1±2.0 mmHg) and LV end-diastolic pressure (4.5±1.7 vs. 10.7±4.0 mmHg, all p < 0.01). LV global circumferential strain decreased (-18.8±3.5 vs. -13.2±3.5%, p < 0.01) but LV stroke volume was maintained (8.4±2.3 vs. 9.6±3.6 ml). LA peak negative strain (-2.9±2.3 vs. -9.8±4.0%, p < 0.01) and early reservoir strain (3.4±1.1 vs. 7.8±2.6%, p < 0.01) increased substantially by AoB, but late reservoir function did not change (9.3±3.5 vs. 6.1±2.0%). A-work significantly increased (3.2±2.0 to 19.2±15.1 mmHg %, p < 0.01), while V-work did not change (13.3±7.1 vs. 13.6±8.0 mmHg %). Conclusions: During aortic banding, LA contraction, early reservoir function and thereby external work during the phase increased as a compensation to LV dysfunction. The failure of this mechanism may lead to decompensation in HFPEF.

scholarly journals Effects of Apelin on Left Ventricular-Arterial Coupling and Mechanical Efficiency in Rats with Ischemic Heart Failure

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiufang Ouyang ◽  
Tao You ◽  
Jinjian Guo ◽  
Rong Xu ◽  
Quehui Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Stroke Work ◽  
Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Ventricular Arterial Coupling

Apelin plays important roles in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, its effects on the mechanoenergetics of heart failure (HF) are unavailable. We attempted to investigate the effects of apelin on the left ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) and mechanical efficiency in rats with HF. HF was induced in rats by the ligation of the left coronary artery. The ischemic HF rats were treated with apelin or saline for 12 weeks. The sham-operated animals served as the control. The left ventricular (LV) afterload and the systolic and diastolic functions, as well as the mechanoenergetic indices were estimated from the pressure-volume loops. Myocardial fibrosis by Masson’s trichrome staining, myocardial apoptosis by TUNEL, and collagen content in the aorta as well as media area in the aorta and the mesenteric arteries were determined. Our data indicated that HF rats manifested an increased arterial load (Ea), a declined systolic function (reduced ejection fraction, +dP/dtmax, end-systolic elastance, and stroke work), an abnormal diastolic function (elevated end-diastolic pressure, τ, and declined −dP/dtmax), and decreased mechanical efficiency. Apelin treatment improved those indices. Concomitantly, increased fibrosis in the LV myocardium and the aorta and enhanced apoptosis in the LV were partially restored by apelin treatment. A declined wall-to-lumen ratio in the mesenteric arteries of the untreated HF rats was further reduced in the apelin-treated group. We concluded that the rats with ischemic HF were characterized by deteriorated LV mechanoenergetics. Apelin improved mechanical efficiency, at least in part, due to the inhibiting cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis in the LV myocardium, reducing collagen deposition in the aorta and dilating the resistant artery.

GH-releasing peptides improve cardiac dysfunction and cachexia and suppress stress-related hormones and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with heart failure

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (4) ◽  
pp. H1643-H1651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Bin Xu ◽  
Jin-Jiang Pang ◽  
Ji-Min Cao ◽  
Chao Ni ◽  
Rong-Kun Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Chronic Administration ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Cardiac Cachexia

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptides (GHRP), a class of synthetic peptidyl GH secretagogues, have been reported to exert a cardioprotective effect on cardiac ischemia. However, whether GHRP have a beneficial effect on chronic heart failure (CHF) is unclear, and the present work aims to clarify this issue. At 9 wk after pressure-overload CHF was created by abdominal aortic banding in rats, one of four variants of GHRP (GHRP-1, -2, and -6 and hexarelin, 100 μg/kg) or saline was injected subcutaneously twice a day for 3 wk. Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization were performed to monitor cardiac function and obtain blood samples for hormone assay. GHRP treatment significantly improved left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling in CHF rats, as indicated by increased LV ejection fraction, LV end-systolic pressure, and diastolic posterior wall thickness and decreased LV end-diastolic pressure and LV end-diastolic dimension. GHRP also significantly alleviated development of cardiac cachexia, as shown by increases in body weight and tibial length in CHF rats. Plasma CA, renin, ANG II, aldosterone, endothelin-1, and atrial natriuretic peptide were significantly elevated in CHF rats but were significantly decreased in GHRP-treated CHF rats. GHRP suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased cardiac GH secretagogue receptor mRNA expression in CHF rats. GHRP also decreased myocardial creatine kinase release in hypophysectomized rats subjected to acute myocardial ischemia. We conclude that chronic administration of GHRP alleviates LV dysfunction, pathological remodeling, and cardiac cachexia in CHF rats, at least in part by suppressing stress-induced neurohormonal activations and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

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