[Effect of UCP2 activity inhibitor genipin on heart function of aging rats].

To estimate the role of uncoupling proteins in aging rat heart recovery from prolonged ischemia we used genipin application during Langendorfpreparation. It was shown that genipin in dose-depended manner depressed coronary flow, heart rate and cardiac diastolic function. Such effect was similar to that observed during myocardial Ca2+ overload by gradually elevated CaCl2, in perfusion solution. Moreover, postischemic disturbances of cardiodynamic parameters, oxygen cost of myocardial work were much increased in genipin pretreated hearts that in control ones. Thus, genipin inhibition of UCP2 activity has cardiodepressive effects that imply UCPs in cardiac calcium regulation.