Role of the α2-isoform of AMP-activated protein kinase in the metabolic response of the heart to no-flow ischemia.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major sensor and regulator of the energetic state of the cell. Little is known about the specific role of AMPKα2, the major AMPK isoform in the heart, in response to global ischemia. We used AMPKα2-knockout (AMPKα2-/-) mice to evaluate the consequences of AMPKα2 deletion during normoxia and ischemia, with glucose as the sole substrate. Hemodynamic measurements from echocardiography of hearts from AMPKα2-/- mice during normoxia showed no significant modification compared with wild-type animals. In contrast, the response of hearts from AMPKα2-/- mice to no-flow ischemia was characterized by a more rapid onset of ischemia-induced contracture. This ischemic contracture was associated with a decrease in ATP content, lactate production, glycogen content, and AMPKβ2 content. Hearts from AMPKα2-/- mice were also characterized by a decreased phosphorylation state of acetyl-CoA carboxylase during normoxia and ischemia. Despite an apparent worse metabolic adaptation during ischemia, the absence of AMPKα2 does not exacerbate impairment of the recovery of postischemic contractile function. In conclusion, AMPKα2 is required for the metabolic response of the heart to no-flow ischemia. The remaining AMPKα2 cannot compensate for the absence of AMPKα2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]