Targeting cardiopulmonary calpains to mitigate toxicity of halogen gases.

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Accidental leaks from manufacturing plants are common and large groups of people may be exposed to high halogen (Cl2/Br2) concentrations. Use of halogen gases as chemical weapons is also on the rise. Victims of accidental bromine exposure experience respiratory distress, cardiac arrest and circulatory collapse. Studies evaluating acute and chronic sequelae of Br2 exposure are scant and treatment remains symptomatic as no effective countermeasures exist. Our studies have established that the heart is severely injured in animals that survive high dose halogen (Cl2/Br2) inhalation. The purpose of this application is to identify the biological mechanisms responsible for these events and develop appropriate countermeasures. Based on exciting preliminary data we propose that brominated reactants such as brominated lipids are produced in the lungs. Brominated reactants/lipids reach the heart along with oxygenated blood. These reactants inactivate important calcium pumps that regulate the heartbeats. Inactivity of calcium pumps causes calcium accumulation or “calcium overload” in the heart cells. Calcium overload is a serious problem and can lead to sudden cardiac death. Increased calcium also activates destructive proteins, the calpains that destroy cardiac ultrastructure. We therefore hypothesize that Br2 inhalation produces highly reactive intermediates that activate Ca2+ sensitive calpains leading to cytoskeletal and mitochondrial damage and myocardial dysfunction and that calpain inhibition will mitigate Br2-induced cardiopulmonary dysfunction and death. These hypotheses will be tested by completing the experiments outlined in the following specific aims. SA#1: Characterize cardiac injury and death induced by Br2 inhalation. SA#2: Test the hypothesis that Br2 and Br2 reactants activate cardiac calpains and cause cytoskeletal and mitochondrial damage. SA#3: Test whether calpain inhibitor based countermeasures mitigate acute and chronic effects caused by Br2 inhalation. The outcome from this project will identify an effective antidote for bromine toxicity and enhance readiness for emergencies arising from accidental or intentional exposures.