Hidden Pool of Cardiac Adenine Nucleotides That Controls Adenosine Production

Myocardial ischemic adenosine production decreases in subsequent events that may blunt its protective functions. To test the relation between total or mitochondrial cardiac adenine nucleotide pool (TAN) on the energy status with adenosine production, Langendorff perfused rat hearts were subjected to three protocols: 1 min ischemia at 40 min, 10 min ischemia at 50 min, and 1 min ischemia at 85 min in Group I; additional infusion of adenosine (30 mu M) for 15 min after 10 min ischemia in Group I-Ado, and 1 min ischemia at 40 and 85 min in the controls (Group No I). A P-31 NMR and an HPLC were used for the analysis of nucleotide and catabolite concentrations in the heart and coronary effluent. Cardiac adenosine production in Group I measured after 1 min ischemia at 85 min decreased to less than 15% of that at 40 min in Group I, accompanied by a decrease in cardiac ATP and TAN to 65% of the initial results. Adenosine production at 85 min was restored to 45% of that at 40 min in Group I-Ado, accompanied by a rebound of ATP and TAN by 10% vs. Group I. Mitochondrial TAN and free AMP concentrations paralleled that of total cardiac TAN. Changes in energy equilibrium or mitochondrial function were minor. This study highlights that only a fraction of the cardiac adenine nucleotide pool is available for adenosine production, but further studies are necessary to clarify its nature.

Automated summary

Myocardial ischemia leads to a decrease in adenosine production, which affects its protective functions. This study tested the relationship between cardiac adenine nucleotide pool (TAN) and adenosine production. Results showed that after 1 min ischemia at 85 min, adenosine production decreased to less than 15% of that at 40 min, accompanied by a decrease in ATP and TAN. However, when adenosine was infused after 10 min ischemia, adenosine production was partially restored. These findings suggest that only a fraction of the cardiac adenine nucleotide pool is available for adenosine production.