Baroreflex deficiency hampers angiogenesis after myocardial infarction via acetylcholine-alpha 7-nicotinic ACh receptor in rats

Aims Angiogenesis is critical for re-establishing blood supply to ischaemic myocardium after myocardial infarction (MI). Human studies have associated arterial baroreflex (ABR) deficiency with higher rate of sudden death after MI. The present work was designed to examine whether ABR deficiency affects angiogenesis in MI rats. Methods and results Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was determined in conscious rats at 1 month after occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The survival time was significantly shorter in Sprague-Dawley rats with BRS < 0.60 ms/mmHg vs. those with BRS >= 0.60 ms/mmHg. Sinoaortic denervation destroyed ABR, and decreased capillary density, regional blood flow and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration after MI. Ketanserin (0.6 mg/kg/day) enhanced BRS, and increased capillary density, regional blood flow, and VEGF. Sinoaortic denervation also reduced the expression of vesicular acetylcholine (ACh) transporter and alpha 7-nicotinic ACh receptor (alpha 7-nAChR). Angiogenesis after MI was significantly attenuated in alpha 7-nAChR knockout mice. In contrast, increase in endogenous ACh with cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine (30 mg/kg/day) increased angiogenesis after MI. In cultured cardiac microvascular endothelial cells, ACh stimulated the expression of VEGF, phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2, and tube formation in a manner dependent upon alpha 7-nAChR. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that ABR deficiency could attenuate angiogenesis in ischaemic myocardium. These findings provide further mechanistic basis for enhancing baroreflex function in the treatment of MI.