8-Bromo-cGMP Improves Energy State in Hypoxic Rat Atria

Abstract
8-Br-cGMP (1 .times. 10-4 M) was found to prevent the hypoxia-induced decrease in creatine phosphate (CrP) and ATP in isolated rat atria. An increase in ADP was also seen after 8-Br-cGMP treatment, while the AMP level remained unchanged. 8-Br-cGMP administration resulted in a higher energy charge during the initial state of hypoxia. 8-Br-cGMP did not affect heart rate or contractility during hypoxia. cGMP evidently improves the energy state of the heart cell in hypoxia. The exact mechanism(s) of these effects is not known but an improvement of oxidative phosphorylation might, quantitatively, account for the changes. [Implications with respect to the role of cGMP as a regulator of redox state and the use of drugs which alter cGMP levels during myocardial ischemia are presented.].