Role of Sigma-1 Receptors in the Regulation of Heart Function: II. Cardioprotective Role of Sigma-1 Receptors.

Part II of the review considers the literature data that pronounced cardioprotective activity is possessed by sigma-1 receptors (σ₁Rs) and is associated with both membranotropic and chaperone activities. Activated σ₁Rs exert a distinct antiarrhythmic/antifibrillatory effect, display anti-ischemia activity, and prevent left ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling in pathological conditions. Oppositely, a blockage of the σ₁Rs triggers malignant arrhythmias and provokes myocardial hypertrophy and remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]