422 DIFFERENTIAL Ca2 DYSREGULATION AND CONTRACTILITY IN AGED MALE AND FEMALE HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOCYTES

Abstract

Background: Prior to menopause, females are less likely to develop cardiac hypertrophy than males. Post menopause the incidence of hypertrophy is increased with females displaying overall worse outcomes than males. The aim of this study was to characterize cardiomyocyte contractility and intracellular Ca2+ differences in adult and aged male and female rats exhibiting a genetically determined cardiac enlargement which predisposes for premature mortality. Design and Methods: Cardiomyocytes isolated by collagenase digestion of adult (12–16 weeks) and aged (52–60 weeks) HHR (Hypertrophic Heart Rat) and NHR (Normal Heart Rat) were fura 2-AM loaded. Single myocyte contractility and [Ca2+]i were me..