Norepinephrine Stimulates Apoptosis in Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes by Activation of the β-Adrenergic Pathway

Abstract

NE, acting via the ss-adrenergic pathway, stimulates apoptosis in adult rat cardiac myocytes in vitro. This effect is mediated by protein kinase A and requires calcium entry via voltage-dependent calcium channels. NE-stimulated apoptosis of cardiac myocytes may contribute to the progression of myocardial failure.