Cellular aspects of cardiac failure.

Abstract

Intracellular signaling systems that are involved in growth of cardiac myocytes and that are modified in congestive heart failure include the alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic systems and angiotensin II. These systems include G-protein-linked hormone receptors and their membrane enzyme including adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. In addition, membrane enzymes, and adenylyl cyclase in particular, respond directly to stretch of the cell membrane with an increase in cAMP formation. Furthermore, interactions between stretch and hormonal stimuli can potentiate each other and result in enhanced signal generation.