Effects of A1 adenosine receptor overexpression on normoxic and post-ischemic gene expression

Abstract

Objectives: To identify potential molecular genetic determinants of cardiovascular ischemic tolerance in wild-type and transgenic hearts overexpressing A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs). Methods: cDNA microarrays were used to explore expression of 1824 genes in wild-type hearts and ischemia-tolerant mouse hearts overexpressing A1ARs. Results: Overexpression of A1ARs reduced post-ischemic contractile dysfunction, limited arrhythmogenesis, and reduced necrosis by ∼80% in hearts subjected to 30 min global ischemia 60 min reperfusion. Cardioprotection was abrogated by acute A1AR antagonism, and only a small number (19) of genes were modified by A1AR overexpression in normoxic hearts. Ischemia-reper..