Mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening during myocardial reperfusion—a target for cardioprotection

Reperfusion of the heart after a period of ischaemia leads to the opening of a nonspecific pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane, known as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). This transition causes mitochondria to become uncoupled and capable of hydrolysing rather than synthesising ATP. Unrestrained, this will lead to the loss of ionic homeostasis and ultimately necrotic cell death. The functional recovery of the Langendorff-perfused heart from ischaemia inversely correlates with the extent of pore opening, and inhibition of the MPTP provides protection against reperfusion injury. This may be mediated either by a direct interaction with the MPTP [e.g., by Cyclosporin A (CsA) and…

• BH
  British Heart Foundation
• RS
  Royal Society