Chronic Hypoxia Enhances Expression and Activity of Mitochondrial Creatine Kinase and Hexokinase in the Rat Ventricular Myocardium

Abstract

Up-regulation of mtCKs and HK isoforms may stimulate the respiratory chain and help to maintain energy homeostasis of chronically hypoxic myocardium and prevent oxidative stress. In this way, CK and HK enzymes can possibly participate in the establishment of ischemia-resistant phenotype of chronically hypoxic hearts.