Rapid endotoxin-induced alterations in myocardial calcium handling -: Obligatory role of cardiac TNF-α

Background: Bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) induces septic shock and depressed myocardial contractility. The mechanism of LPS-mediated cardiac dysfunction remains controversial. We hypothesized that LPS exerts significant effects on myocardial excitation-contraction coupling by rapid stimulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) expression in the heart. Methods: Isolated rat hearts were studied with and without recirculation of cell-free perfusate. The effects of LPS, exogenous TNF-alpha, anti-TNF-alpha antibody, and ceramidase inhibition were examined. Measurements included myocardial uptake of LPS, left ventricular contractility, myocardial oxygen consumption, intracellular calcium [Ca2+] cycling, and TNF-alpha concentrations in coronary perfusate and myocardium. Results: Lipopolysaccharide was rapidly taken tip by the perfused heart. With non-recirculating perfusion, LPS had no effect on contractility, oxygen consumption, coronary vascular resistance, or intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+](i)). However, with recirculating perfusion contractility was significantly impaired after 30 min of LPS, associated with lower [Ca2+](i) levels and attenuated systolic rise in [Ca2+](i). Significant amounts of TNF-alpha accumulated in recirculating perfusate and myocardial tissue from LPS-perfused hearts. Ceramidase inhibition or neutralizing anti-TNF-alpha antibody inhibited the effects of LPS on contractility and [Ca2+](i). Recombinant rat TNF-alpha mimicked the LPS effects with faster onset. Conclusions: Lipopolysaccharide exerts rapid, negative inotropic effects on the isolated whole rat heart. The reduction in contractility is associated with depressed intracellular calcium cycling. In response to LPS, TNF-alpha is rapidly released from the heart and mediates the effects of LPS ria the sphingomyelinase pathway. The present study for the first time directly links LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha production, abnormal calcium cycling, and decreased contractility in intact hearts.