[Effects of valsartan on myocardial calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II expression and activity in a rabbit model of heart failure].

Objective: To investigate the effects of valsartan on myocardial expression and activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMK II) in a rabbit model of heart failure.

Methods: Rabbits were divided into sham-operated group, heart failure group (volume overload by aortic valve destruction induced aortic insufficiency plus pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic banding) and heart failure plus valsartan (20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), n = 9 each). Seven weeks later, echocardiography and hemodynamic examinations were performed and myocardial CaMK II expression and activity were detected by Western blot and CaMK II activity assay kit, respectively.

[Effects of valsartan on sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase, protein kinase A and protein phosphatase 1 alpha in a rabbit model of heart failure].

Objective: To investigate the effects of valsartan on expressions of myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA2), protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatase 1 alpha (PP1alpha) in a rabbit model of heart failure.

Methods: Rabbits were divided into sham-operated group, heart failure group (volume overload by aortic valve destruction induced aortic insufficiency plus pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic banding) and heart failure plus valsartan (20 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), n = 6 each). Seven weeks later, echocardiography examination was performed and SERCA2, PKA, PP1alpha protein and mRNA expressions were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR.