Opposing effects of delta and epsilon PKC in ethanol-induced cardioprotection

Low amounts of ethanol reduce cardiac damage induced by ischemia. The prote ction from ischemic damage by acute exposure to low amounts of ethanol in i solated myocytes and intact heart have been attributed to activation of pro tein kinase C (PKC). We previously found that two PKC isozymes, delta and e psilon, are activated by ethanol in several cell models, Here, we perfused isozyme selective agonist and antagonist peptides that rue have generated i nto intact heart to determine the role of these two isozymes in ethanol-ind uced protection from transient ischemia. Whereas epsilon PKC activation was required for ethanol-induced protection, delta PKC activation led to Furth er damage. These data explain the conflicting reports on the role of acute exposure to ethanol in protection from cardiac ischemia. The clinical impli cations of these findings are also discussed, (C) 2001 Academic Press.