Cardiopulmonary bypass reduces peripheral microvascular contractile function by inhibition of mitogen-activated

Tanveer A Khan1, Cesario Bianchi, Eugenio G Araujo

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Surgery
|August 30, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) impairs microvascular function by altering mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Increased MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) after CPB reduces extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 activity, leading to contractile dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Surgical Research

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are crucial in cellular responses to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
  • MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) deactivates MAPKs.
  • MAPK involvement in CPB-induced peripheral microvascular dysfunction is hypothesized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MAPK in CPB-induced peripheral microvascular contractile dysfunction in humans.
  • To assess changes in MAPK and MKP-1 levels and activity following CPB.

Main Methods:

  • Skeletal muscle biopsies before and after CPB.
  • Measurement of MKP-1, activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 protein levels and gene expression.
  • Videomicroscopy to assess peripheral microvessel responses to vasopressors.
  • Assessment of contractile function after MAPK inhibition.

Main Results:

  • CPB decreased ERK1/2 and p38 activity and increased MKP-1 in peripheral tissue.
  • Peripheral arteriole contractile responses to phenylephrine and vasopressin were reduced post-CPB.
  • Microvessel reactivity was diminished following MAPK inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • CPB reduces peripheral ERK1/2 and p38 activity, potentially mediated by MKP-1.
  • Peripheral arteriole function is dependent on ERK1/2 and p38 activity, which is impaired after CPB.
  • MAPK pathway alterations contribute to peripheral microvascular dysfunction following CPB in humans.