2011
Volume 11, Number 2, pp. 54–59
Characterization of the antioxidant system of rat blood and cardiomyocytes under stress conditions
K. Menabde, Z. Kuchukashvili, M. Koshoridze, G. Burjanadze, M. Mikadze and N. Koshoridze
Department of Biology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Iv. Javakhishvili State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
The functional state of pro- and anti-oxidant systems in rat blood and cardiomyocytes against a background of long term emotional stress was studied. Quantitative changes of NO concentration take place in blood and cardiomyocytes, accompanied with intensification of the process of lipid peroxidation. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase were diminished, indicating deterioration of the antioxidant system. Simultaneously, the activity of mitochondrial enzymes participating in energy metabolism decreased: a sign of energy shortage in cardiomyocytes. It is very likely that emotional stress represents a key factor causing a whole range of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Keywords: blood, cardiomyocytes, catalase, lipid peroxidation, NO, stress, superoxide dismutase