Angiotensin II and hypoxia induce autophagy in cardiomyocytes via activating specific protein kinase C subtypes.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypoxia and angiotensin (Ang) II-induced autophagy.

Methods: Primary cardiomyocytes were isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) neonatal rats and cultured in hypoxia and/or Ang II conditions. Dihydroethidium fluorescence staining was used to detect the content of ROS.