Modulation of myofilament Ca2+ densitivity by delta- and kappa-opioid agonists in intact guinea pig hearts.

UNLABELLED

We investigated whether delta- and kappa-opioid agonists alter myocardial function, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+)), and myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity in intact guinea pig beating hearts and whether these effects are mediated by an opioid receptor. Intact guinea pig hearts were perfused with modified Krebs Ringer solution containing delta- (TAN-67) and kappa- (ICI-199441) opioid agonists in the absence and presence of delta- (BNTX) and kappa- (nor-BNI) opioid antagonists, respectively, while functional variables and Ca(2+) were recorded. TAN-67 (1 microM) and ICI-199441 (1 microM) decreased heart rate (P < 0.05). TAN-67 (1 microM) and ICI-199441 (1 micro M) decreased available Ca(2+) without changing developed left ventricular pressure (LVP) (P < 0.05). TAN-67 (1 microM) and ICI-199441 (1 microM) also caused a leftward shift in the curve of developed LVP as a function of available Ca(2+) (P < 0.05). ICI-199441 (1 microM) produced a steeper slope in the relation curve compared with baseline (P < 0.05). BNTX (1 microM) and nor-BNI (1 microM) blocked the effects of TAN-67 and ICI-199441, respectively. delta- and kappa-opioid agonists enhance myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity despite decreasing available Ca(2+) in intact isolated guinea pig hearts, and these effects are mediated by delta- and kappa-opioid receptor stimulation.

IMPLICATIONS

Our results indicate that delta- and kappa-opioid agonists enhance myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity despite decreasing available intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in intact isolated guinea pig beating hearts, and these effects are mediated by delta- and kappa-opioid receptor stimulation.