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  • Title: Increased basal contractility of cardiomyocytes overexpressing protein kinase C epsilon and blunted positive inotropic response to endothelin-1.
    Author: Baudet S, Weisser J, Janssen AP, Beulich K, Bieligk U, Pieske B, Noireaud J, Janssen PM, Hasenfuss G, Prestle J.
    Journal: Cardiovasc Res; 2001 Jun; 50(3):486-94. PubMed ID: 11376624.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Protein kinase C (PKC) is thought to be involved in the regulation of the mammalian cardiac excitation-contraction coupling process by vasoactive peptides like endothelin-1 (ET-1). However, the demonstration of a causal link between activation of specific PKC isoforms and the increase in contractility mediated by ET-1 is still inferential. METHODS: By means of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, we specifically overexpressed PKC epsilon in cultured adult rabbit ventricular myocytes (Ad-PKC epsilon). Myocyte shortening and [Ca2+]i transients under basal and ET-1-stimulated conditions were measured in Ad-PKC epsilon and Ad-LacZ control transfected cells. RESULTS: Infection with Ad-PKC epsilon resulted in a strong, virus dose-dependent increase in PKC epsilon protein levels, whereas protein expression of other PKC isoforms remained unchanged. Using a multiplicity of infection of 100 plaque-forming units/myocyte, basal and cofactor-dependent PKC epsilon kinase activity was increased 28- and 90-fold, respectively, when compared to control. Myocyte basal fractional shortening and [Ca2+]i transient amplitude were both increased by 21% (P < 0.05 each) in Ad-PKC epsilon transfected myocytes when compared to Ad-LacZ transfected control myocytes. The positive inotropic effect of ET-1 in control myocytes was markedly blunted in PKC epsilon-overexpressing myocytes. CONCLUSION: Specific overexpression of PKC epsilon in rabbit ventricular myocytes increases basal myocyte contractility and [Ca2+]i transients, and modifies their responsiveness to ET-1.
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