Ca2+ current is regulated by cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in mammalian cardiac myocytes

Regulation of cardiac contraction by neurotransmitters and hormones is often correlated with regulation of the L-type Ca2(+)-channel current (ICa) through the opposite actions of two second messengers, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. While cyclic AMP stimulation of ICa is mediated by the activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, inhibition of ICa by cyclic GMP in frog heart is largely mediated by activation of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The present patch-clamp study reveals that, in rat ventricular cells, cyclic GMP can also regulate ICa via activation of endogenous cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PK). Indeed, the effect of cyclic GMP on ICa was mimicked by intracellular perfusion with the proteolytic active fragment of purified cGMP-PK. Moreover, cGMP-PK immunoreactivity was detected in pure rat ventricular myocytes by using a specific polyclonal antibody. These results demonstrate a dual mechanism for the inhibitory action of cyclic GMP in heart, as well as a physiological role for cGMP-PK in the control of mammalian heart function.