Increased activity of sarcolemmal (Na+K+)-ATPase is involved in the late cardioprotective action of 7-oxo-prostacyclin.

The delayed effects of 7-oxo-prostacyclin, protecting the heart against extrasystoles, ventricular fibrillation, and cardiac arrest induced by high doses of ouabain or in ischemia and postischemic reperfusion, have already been described; but little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. In this study, 50 micrograms.kg-1 7-oxo-prostacyclin administered intramuscularly significantly stimulated the activity of (Na+K+)-ATPase in rat heart sarcolemma 24 and 48 hours after application (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.001, respectively). Kinetic analysis revealed a mixed type of stimulation of ATPase activity, with increased Vmax and decreased Km values. Cycloheximide (1 mg.kg-1) applied together with 7-oxo-prostacyclin, significantly antagonized the stimulatory effect of 7-oxo-prostacyclin, and had a modulatory effect on the kinetics of the (Na+K+)-ATPase both 24 and 48 hours after administration. The results show that protein synthesis is involved in the mechanism of the increase in enzyme activity.