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Failure to maintain a low ADP concentration impairs diastolic function in hypertrophied rat hearts

R Tian1, L Nascimben, J S Ingwall

  • 1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass 02115, USA. rong@bustoff.bwh.harvard.edu

Circulation
|August 19, 1997
PubMed

Insights

High levels of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) contribute to diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophied hearts by slowing cross-bridge cycling. Impaired creatine kinase function hinders ADP rephosphorylation, exacerbating this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiac Metabolism

Background:

  • Diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophied hearts may involve mechanisms beyond calcium overload.
  • This study investigates the role of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) concentration in diastolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that failure to maintain low intracellular free ADP concentration in hypertrophied hearts contributes to diastolic dysfunction.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms, specifically the inhibition of cross-bridge cycling rate.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated rat hearts from aortic-banded (left ventricular hypertrophy, LVH) and sham-operated (control) groups were perfused with pyruvate and 2-deoxyglucose (2DG).
  • 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to measure phosphorus-containing compounds, including intracellular free ADP.
  • Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was measured to assess diastolic function.

Main Results:

  • 2DG perfusion induced a threefold increase in LVEDP and intracellular free ADP in LVH hearts, while control hearts maintained stable LVEDP and low ADP.
  • A significant linear relationship was observed between increased ADP and LVEDP (r2=.66, P=.001).
  • The capacity of the creatine kinase reaction to rephosphorylate ADP was significantly decreased in LVH hearts (P=.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated intracellular free ADP levels contribute to diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophied hearts, likely by slowing cross-bridge cycling.
  • A diminished capacity of the creatine kinase reaction is a key mechanism leading to the failure in maintaining low ADP levels in LVH.
Abstract

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