Rapamycin protects heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury independent of autophagy by activating PI3 kinase-Akt pathway and mitochondria K(ATP) channel.

Abstract

Cardioprotection afforded by rapamycin involves the PI3K pathway and the activation of mitochondrial K(ATP)-channels, but is independent of rapamycin-induced autophagy. This study may have significant impact on clinical practice.