Testosterone protects rat hearts against ischaemic insults by enhancing the effects of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor stimulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Testosterone alleviates symptoms in patients with ischaemic heart disease. Androgen receptors are present in the heart, and testosterone upregulates gene expression of cardiac beta(1)-adrenoceptors. We hypothesize that testosterone may confer cardioprotection by interacting with adrenoceptors.

Experimental approach

In isolated perfused hearts and ventricular myocytes from orchidectomized rats without or with testosterone (200 microg/100 g) replacement, we first determined the effect of ischaemia/reperfusion in the presence of noradrenaline (10(-7) M). Then we determined the contribution of interactions between testosterone and alpha(1)- or beta(1)-adrenoceptors in cardiac injury/protection (infarct size, release of lactate dehydrogenase, viability of m

SUBMITTER: Tsang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2259204 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature