EXPRESSION AND PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF UROCORTIN IN CARDIAC MYOCYTES

Reverse transcription PCR showed that mRNA encoding the CRH-like molec ule, urocortin, is expressed in a rat cardiac myocyte cell line and in primary cultures of cardiac myocytes. Identity of the amplified with the published sequence was established by restriction mapping and dire ct sequencing. Expression of urocortin mRNA was increased 12-18 h afte r thermal injury. Urocortin peptide protected cardiac myocytes from ce ll death induced by hypoxia. The data suggest that urocortin is an end ogenous cardiac myocyte peptide which modulates the cellular response to stress.