Mechanisms involved in the in vitro contractile dysfunction induced by different concentrations of ferrous iron in the rat myocardium.

Iron intoxication is related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and organic damage including the cardiovascular system, and is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in children. In this study we examined whether a range of ferrous iron (Fe(2+)) concentrations can interfere differently on the myocardial mechanics, investigating the ROS-mediated effects. Developed force of isolated rat papillary muscles was depressed with a concentration- and time-dependency by Fe(2+) 100–1000μM. The contractile response to Ca(2+) was reduced, but it was partially reversed by co-incubation with catalase and DMSO, but not TEMPOL. In agreement, in situ detection of OH was increased by Fe(2+) whereas O2− was unchanged. The myosin-ATPase activity was significantly decreased. Contractions dependent on the sarcolemal Ca(2+) influx were impaired only by Fe(2+) 1000μM, and antioxidants had no effect. In skinned fibers, Fe(2+) reduced the pCa-force relationship, and pCa50 was right-shifted by 0.55. In conclusion, iron overload can acutely impair myocardial contractility by reducing myosin-ATPase activity and myofibrillar Ca(2+) sensitivity. These effects are mediated by local production of OH and H2O2. Nevertheless, in a such high concentration as 1000μM, Fe(2+) appears to depress force also by reducing Ca(2+) influx, probably due to a competition at Ca(2+) channels.