Cardiac alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor alterations in diabetic cardiomyopathy

The effect of chronic experimental diabetes on the adrenergic receptors in the rat heart was investigated. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg; i.v.) administration, animals were sacrificed 8 weeks later, and positive as well as negative dF/dt values were determined in isolated papillary muscle preparations. Stimulation of the contractile force generation by isoproterenol and methoxamine was attenuated in diabetic preparations. Beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptor bindings were determined in cardiac membranes by employing 3H-dihydroalprenolol and 3H-dihydroergocryptine respectively. Reduced number of beta- and alpha-receptor binding sites without changes in the affinity constants were observed in diabetic myocardium. Such a decrease in alpha- and beta-receptor density in the heart may account for the depressed contractile responsiveness to adrenergic stimuli in diabetic cardiomyopathy.