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Cardioprotection by acetylcholine: a novel mechanism via mitochondrial biogenesis and function involving the PGC-1α

Lei Sun1, Mei Zhao, Xiao-Jiang Yu

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|November 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Acetylcholine protects heart cells from damage by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and function. This occurs via muscarinic receptors and the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, offering a novel cardioprotection mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is key in cardiac damage.
  • Acetylcholine offers cardioprotection, but its mitochondrial effects are unclear.
  • Acute cardiac injury involves ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate acetylcholine's role in mitochondrial biogenesis and function during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induced cardiac injury.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine's cardioprotective effects.

Main Methods:

  • H9c2 cells were subjected to H/R.
  • Acetylcholine treatment was administered at reoxygenation.
  • Mitochondrial function, biogenesis markers (mtDNA, PGC-1α, AMPK), and cell viability were assessed.
  • Muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine) and siRNA knockdown (PGC-1α, AMPK) were used.

Main Results:

  • Acetylcholine improved cell viability and mitochondrial morphology in an H/R model.
  • It increased mitochondrial density, mass, mtDNA copy number, ATP synthesis, and membrane potential.
  • Acetylcholine upregulated PGC-1α and its downstream targets, and activated AMPK phosphorylation.
  • These effects were blocked by atropine and siRNA knockdown of PGC-1α or AMPK.

Conclusions:

  • Acetylcholine protects against H/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and injury.
  • This protection involves muscarinic receptor-mediated activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.
  • Acetylcholine acts as a mitochondrial nutrient, revealing a novel cardioprotection mechanism.

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