Early-life persistent vitamin D deficiency-induced cardiovascular dysfunction in mice is mediated by transient receptor potential C channels

Background: Studies indicate that chronic vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may predispose to hypertension, yet, there is very little data characterizing its direct cardiac effects. Vitamin D modulates the function of transient receptor potential C cation channels (TRPC), which is a mechanosensitive cation channel that plays a role in cardiac slowforce responses to hemodynamic changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiac effects of VDD and the potential role of TRPC. Methods: Three-week old mice were placed on a VDD or normal diet (ND) for 19 weeks. Mice were then implanted with radiotelemeters for the measurement of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV), while a separate group was anesthetized to measure blood pressure (BP) and left ventricular function using an intraventricular probe. Animals were treated with a TRPC antagonist or vehicle after which they were challenged with dobutamine to measure cardiac responses. Results: VDD mice had significantly increased BP (72 +/- 3 mmHg vs. 62 +/- 2 mmHg) and left ventricular pressure (LVP) (84.6 +/- 0.8 mmHg vs. 78.2 +/- 2.0 mmHg), and decreased cardiac contractility (-3 % vs. + 11 %) and HR response (+8 % vs. + 13 %) to dobutamine when compared to ND. These responses were blocked by the TRPC antagonist. HRV decreased with increasing dobutamine doses in ND but not VDD mice, however, the antagonist had no effect. Conclusion: VDD increases BP and alters cardiac mechanical function in mice, the latter appears to be mediated by TRPC, in particular TRPC6. Although the cardiac effects might be due to increased BP, it is likely that VDD also affects the function of the heart directly. This is the first study to demonstrate the potentially deleterious effects of VDD on cardiac function and the role of TRPC6 in this response.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency may lead to increased blood pressure and altered mechanical function in the hearts of mice, with TRPC6 mediating these effects. While the cardiac effects may be related to increased blood pressure, it is also likely that VDD directly affects the function of the heart.