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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Experimental Models to Study the Neuroprotection of Acidic Postconditioning Against Cerebral Ischemia
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Published on: July 31, 2017

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Na/K-ATPase Signaling and Cardiac Pre/Postconditioning with Cardiotonic Steroids

Pauline V Marck1, Sandrine V Pierre2

  • 1Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, WV 25701, USA. marck@marshall.edu.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Low concentrations of cardiotonic steroids (CTS) activate cardiac Na/K-ATPase signaling, offering cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). CTS-based conditioning shows promise for treating heart attack patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiac Na/K-ATPase signaling was reported 20 years ago, initiating research into cardiotonic steroids (CTS).
  • Low/subinotropic concentrations of CTS exhibit cardioprotective effects.
  • The use of CTS in ischemic hearts remains a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the protective cardiac Na/K-ATPase-mediated signaling triggered by low concentrations of ouabain and other CTS.
  • To discuss the suitability of CTS-based conditioning for ischemia/reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cardiac Na/K-ATPase signaling and CTS.
  • Analysis of mechanistic information regarding CTS effects in the context of AMI.

Main Results:

  • Low concentrations of CTS activate Na/K-ATPase-mediated signaling pathways.
  • CTS-based conditioning demonstrates effectiveness against ischemia/reperfusion injury.
  • Unique features of CTS conditioning suggest potential for standalone or combination therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac Na/K-ATPase-mediated signaling by CTS offers a promising cardioprotective strategy.
  • CTS-based interventions are potentially valuable for managing acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • Further research into CTS for ischemia/reperfusion injury is warranted.
Keywords:
acute myocardial infarctiondigoxinischemiakinaseouabainreperfusion

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