Substrates for energy metabolism in the heart: the role of the interstitial compartment.

Evidence is presented that, as in cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells use fatty acids, in addition to glucose, as a respiratory fuel. Attention is focused on the cardiac interstitium, lined by vascular cells and cardiomyocytes, which may be enriched with metabolic products from these cells. Also, certain proteins are present in the interstitial fluid (Qi) such as plasma proteins and fatty acid binding protein (FABP). However, the concentration of FABP is so low in Qi that albumin is more important to shuttle long chain fatty acids in the interstitial fluid between cardiomyocytes and the vascular compartment. Under hypoxic conditions (hypo)xanthine, lactate and fatty acids may be expected to accumulate in the interstitium, as well as proteins from adjacent cells, such as xanthine oxidase from endothelial cells. This enzyme, acting upon the elevated level of (hypo)xanthine, giving rise to O2-., may be involved in the damage of the ischaemic heart. The significance of the interstitium in ischaemia and in fibrosis following long standing cardiac lipidosis is briefly discussed, as well as the possible mechanisms involved in fatty acid transport in the heart.