Isoprenaline-induced increase in mRNA levels of inhibitory G-protein α-subunits in rat heart

Long-term beta-adrenergic stimulation has been shown to desensitize the beta-adrenoceptor/adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway at both the receptor and the G-protein level. To further elucidate the cellular mechanism of G-protein regulation we investigated the influence of prolonged infusion of isoprenaline (2.4 mg/kg.d) on myocardial mRNA levels of different G-protein alpha-subunits in rats. For comparison rats were treated with triiodothyronine (T3; 0.5 mg/kg.d) which induces cardiac hypertrophy like isoprenaline but has different effects on the adenylyl cyclase system. Isoprenaline- and T3-treated animals developed an increase in heart/body weight ratio of 41 +/- 3% and 27 +/- 4%, respectively (P less than 0.05). Isoprenaline increased myocardial total RNA concentration by 39 +/- 6% (P less than 0.05). Hybridization with 32P-labeled rat cDNAs demonstrated an expression rank order of Gs alpha-mRNA greater than Gi alpha-2-mRNA greater than Gi alpha-3-mRNA and no detectable expression of Gi alpha-1-mRNA in rat myocardium. mRNA levels of Gs alpha, Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 were 36.9 +/- 1.28, 10.7 +/- 1.07 and 3.7 +/- 0.19 pg/micrograms total RNA, respectively. Isoprenaline increased Gi alpha-2- and Gi alpha-3-mRNA concentrations per microgram total RNA by 49 +/- 18% and 27 +/- 7%, respectively (P less than 0.05). This effect was abolished by simultaneously administered propranolol (9.9 mg/kg.d), indicating a beta-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism. In contrast, T3-induced cardiac hypertrophy was not accompanied by changes in Gi alpha-mRNA expression. Gs alpha-mRNA levels were unaffected by either treatment.