Adenosinergic Control of Cell Death in Ischaemic-Reperfused Myocardium

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Despite a decline in death rates due to heart disease over the last decade, cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of premature death and disability in our population. During a heart attack the single most important factor determining outcome is the extent of cell death. Thus, the most valuable thing we can do is reduce the numbers of cardiac cells which die during and following heart attack. In recent years we have learned that cell death during a heart attack occurs via an active process termed apoptosis (or programmed cell death). Novel therapeutic strategies for limiting cardiac apoptosis are highly desirable. This research project will examine the possibility that a locally generated chemical (termed adenosine) can very effectively reduce this form of death via multiple pathways. By understanding how one of the heart's own intrinsic defense mechanisms functions (the adenosine system), it may be possible to design new therapeutic approaches for treatment and management of ischaemic heart disease.