Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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The protein kinase C (PKC) family consists of 12 isoforms, 6 of which have been found in human myocardium (PKC alpha, beta I/beta II, delta, epsilon, eta, and lambda/iota). These kinases function in regulation of contractility, ion channels, and in cellular protection or damage during ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study investigated the effects of controlled ischemia-reperfusion injury through cardioplegic arrest on PKC activity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ PKC delta and epsilon have previously been shown to mediate and protect, respectively, from ischemia-reperfusion injury after myocardial ischemia. Demonstration of increases in their activity after cardioplegic arrest provides support for their possible role in myocardial function after cardiac surgery. Isoform-specific modulators may be of potential therapeutic value in treating postoperative myocardial dysfunction.