Extracellular adenine nucleotide catabolism in heart valves.

Enzymes of extracellular nucleotide catabolism, such as ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (eNTPD), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5NT) and ecto-adenosine deaminase (eADA), control extracellular concentrations of adenine nucleotides and adenosine, furthermore in that way regulate inflammation, immune response, and platelets aggregation. In valves, disturbances of these processes may lead to their dysfunction and calcification. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of enzymes, which are engaged in extracellular nucleotide metabolism on the surface of pig aortic and pulmonary valves in relation to activities in the vessel wall. Activity of e5NT was two times higher on the surface of the aortic valve in comparison to the aorta. The same relation between activity of this enzyme in the pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery can be observed. In contrast, eADA activity on the valve surface is much lower than in the vessel wall. No significant differences were observed between the activity of eNTPD on the valve and the vessel surface. This highlights that pattern of enzymes activities favors the production and retention of adenosine on the valve surface and that its alterations could play a role in valve pathology.