Background: Ischemic cardiomyopathy produced by non-occlusive coronary arte
ry constriction is characterized by left ventricular failure and right vent
ricular dysfunction, but whether the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) i
s implicated in myocyte dysfunction and cell death remains unclear.
Methods: Changes in single-cell mechanics, the localization of the various
constituents of RAS in the myocardium, and the effects of angiotensin II (A
ng II) stimulation on myocyte performance and cell death were measured.
Results: Chronic ischemia is coupled with alterations in the mechanical pro
perties and calcium (Ca2+) transients of the remaining viable myocytes. The
abnormalities in myocyte mechanics consist of depression in peak shortenin
g and velocity of shortening. Moreover, peak systolic Ca2+ is significantly
decreased in the cells. In vitro stimulation with Ang II ameliorates myocy
te function and systolic Ca2+. Additionally, adult myocytes express genes f
or renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and Ang II
receptors. Renin, ACE, and Ang II receptors mRNAs increase under the settin
g of impaired coronary perfusion. Similarly, the percentage of myocytes con
taining renin, Ang I, and Ang II increases as well. In vitro studies of neo
natal and adult ventricular myocytes indicate that Ang II triggers programm
ed myocyte cell death and this phenomenon is mediated by activation of the
AT(1) receptor sub-type. Importantly, the AT(1)-receptor blocker, losartan,
completely inhibits apoptosis.
Conclusions: These multiple observations are consistent with the notion tha
t Ang II may exert 3 separate functions on the heart: (1) stimulation of my
ocyte hypertrophy, (2) amelioration of myocyte contractile performance, and
(3) activation of the suicide program of myocytes.