Reactive oxygen species impair the excitation-contraction coupling of papillary muscles after acute exposure to a high copper concentration

Copper is an essential metal for homeostasis and the functioning of living organisms. We investigated the effects of a high copper concentration on the myocardial mechanics, investigating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated effects. The developed force of papillary muscles was reduced after acute exposure to a high copper concentration and was prevented by co-incubation with tempol, DMSO and catalase. The reuptake of calcium by the sarcoplasmic reticulum was reduced by copper and restored by tempol. The contractile response to Ca2+ was reduced and reversed by antioxidants. The response to the β-adrenergic agonist decreased after exposure to copper and was restored by tempol and catalase. In addition, the in situ detection showed increased O2·− and OH·. Contractions dependent on the sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx were impaired by copper and restored by antioxidants. Myosin-ATPase activity decreased significantly after copper exposure. In conclusion, a high copper concentration can acutely impair myocardial excitation-contraction coupling, reduce the capacity to generate force, reduce the Ca2+ inflow and its reuptake, and reduce myosin-ATPase activity, and these effects are mediated by the local production of O2·−, OH· and H2O2. These toxicity effects of copper overload suggest that copper is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.